Rivaldo: City and PSG are the two best teams left in the Champions League

Brazil legend Rivaldo believes Manchester City are facing the toughest possible opponents in the Champions League semi-final in their quest to win the quadruple.

City have reached the last four of the competition for only the second time – and the first under Pep Guardiola – and Rivaldo believes they are now favourites to go on to win it.

Indeed, the former Barcelona ace says the Cityzens have all the right tools to end the campaign with all four trophies – but they have some tough tasks to overcome, with Chelsea first up in the FA Cup semis.

Rivaldo told Betfair: “My former team-mate Pep Guardiola has got his troops producing a great campaign this season and they are on the verge of claiming four titles in the same season with the EFL Cup, FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League all still possible.

“The quality of the players aligned with their manager’s mastery allow them to dream with such achievement which will be unprecedented in English football, but all the clubs between them and the trophies will try to be a difficult boundary to cross.”

Thomas Tuchel: Manchester City have set benchmark but we can close gap

Thomas Tuchel: Manchester City have set benchmark but we can close gap

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says Manchester City have set the benchmark in English football in recent years but has challenged his side to ‘close the gap’ in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.

Rivaldo believes PSG, in particular, will prove tough opponents for City.

“The Champions League might be the toughest of them all with PSG in the semi-final being a great challenge, as the French club were finalists last season and this season they have already eliminated Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

“There are just four teams remaining in contention to win the title with Manchester City the favourites, but I also rate PSG on a similar level to claim an unprecedented title.

“For me, these are the two teams in better condition to lift the trophy this season which means we should have a thrilling semi-final with the French team possessing a really threatening attack with Neymar, Mbappe and Di Maria.

“Pep Guardiola is desperate to finally win the Champions League with City, but I think it won’t be easy for his team to reach such goals as PSG – as well as the finalist from the other tie should they get past the French outfit – won’t be easy to dominate.”

Second semi

In the other semi-final, Rivaldo is backing Real Madrid to get the better of Chelsea, citing experience as the deciding factor.

He said: “In the other semi-final, I see Real Madrid as favourite to reach the final because they have a solid and very experienced squad which always tends to play better in these kinds of decisive matches, becoming a specialist in the last decade.

“Chelsea also have their strengths and shouldn’t be discounted, but I think Madrid have more experience to claim another Champions League final spot – and they know how to win it.

“All those press critics of Zinedine Zidane that we saw in the middle of the season seem to have vanished after such a great response from the team.

“At the moment Real Madrid is fighting for the La Liga title and also progressing well in the Champions League, counteracting all the comments about a potential loss of faith in Zidane from the club and players.

“The coach and all the squad must be congratulated for their efforts in turning the situation around in such a great fashion.”