Rio Ferdinand Backs Real Madrid to Challenge Man City for UCL Title

• Rio Ferdinand is backing Real Madrid as Champions League contenders
• Los Blancos have had three wins in their first three games this season
• Madrid have won the Champions League a record 14 times

Rio Ferdinand has shared his views on the potential winners of this season’s UEFA Champions League, backing Real Madrid as one of the favourites for the title.

Los Blancos are on a search for a record-extending 15th Champions League crown and have started this campaign brilliantly, garnering nine points from their first three group games.

According to Sportskeeda, Ferdinand noted that Real Madrid’s experience with the competition and the addition of Jude Bellingham, who is in fine form, make them a key favourite to challenge Manchester City for the title.

“Real Madrid have obviously got that relationship with this tournament, and they’ve got some fantastic players, Jude Bellingham in fine form. They’d be one you’d mention.”

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After being held to a disappointing 0-0 home draw by Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, Madrid will be keen to return to winning ways on Wednesday night as they entertain Portuguese outfit Braga in the Champions League.

Bellingham hopeful for Braga clash

Meanwhile, Madrid will be hoping that Bellingham will be declared fit to start their Champions League clash against Portuguese outfit Braga after he suffered a slight injury to his shoulder against Rayo Vallecano, AS Sport reports.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been key to the Spanish club’s success this season, scoring 13 goals in his first 13 appearances for Los Blancos since his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund.

A win for Real Madrid against Braga will seal the top spot in Group C ahead of Serie A champions Napoli and Union Berlin with two games to spare for the 14-time European champions.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Real Madrid were left with a bitter taste in their mouths after they played out a stalemate against their city rivals, Rayo Vallecano.

The draw had several negative consequences for the La Liga giants. To begin with, it allowed Catalan club Girona to overtake them and claim the top spot in the league standings.

Additionally, it brought their long-standing rivals Barcelona back into title contention with Carlo Ancelotti's team. To make matters even worse, the draw came at a cost, as star midfielder Jude Bellingham suffered a shoulder dislocation during the match.