Ramos surprised by Manchester City’s poor Champions League form

Nov 20, 2012 3:15:00 PM

The centre-back expected their English counterparts to be Real Madrid's main rivals in Group D and insists Wednesday's fixture is still significant despite the Blues' failings

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is surprised that Manchester City face near-certain elimination from the Champions League ahead of Wednesday’s meeting between the two sides.

The Premier League champions will have their fate confirmed if they fail to beat their La Liga counterparts on Wednesday after collecting just two points from their opening four group games.

And Ramos, who reached the semi-finals of the tournament last season with the Spanish giants, revealed that he and his team-mates expected to be battling it out with Roberto Mancini’s side for the top spot in Group D.

"For me, it’s a surprise they are nearly out of the Champions League," Ramos told reporters. “We really thought City would be our main rivals to top the group.

"City are a big group of players, not just individuals. But that does not guarantee success in the Champions League."

	RETURNING THE FAVOUR
25/1	Man City are 25/1 to beat Real Madrid 3-2 on Wednesday night

The defender was, however, quick to emphasise that Wednesday’s fixture has not lost any of its significance in light of City’s European struggles, and declared that Jose Mourinho’s side would be arriving at Etihad Stadium looking to take all three points.

He added: "This is the hardest group in the first round, and this match is very important for both clubs. We both need to win for different reasons.

"We want to top the group. Real Madrid never play defensively. That is not in our nature. We are going to Manchester to win.

"City have improved in the Premier League. But we do not fear them. Real Madrid can win in any stadium in the world."