Ivan Rakitić Backs Real Madrid’s Champions League Pedigree
UEFA Foundation for Children ambassador and former Sevilla midfielder, Ivan Rakitic reacts as he arrives to take part in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final draw at the House of European Football in Nyon, western Switzerland on February 27, 2026. (Photo by Harold CUNNINGHAM / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Ivan Rakitić has shared his thoughts on Real Madrid’s continued dominance in the Champions League in an interview with AS , backing Los Blancos and insisting their success is no accident. The former Barcelona midfielder revealed he had tipped Real Madrid to overcome Manchester City, despite many viewing the English side as favorites on paper.
“After they drew City, I said to watch out for Real Madrid. Many of my friends in Spain told me I was crying a little… (laughs). For me, Real Madrid was the favorite.
Sure, if you look at the teams, City might seem superior. But for me, Real Madrid was the clear favorite. They have a very strong, very extensive history in the Champions League.
In that sense, it doesn’t surprise me. What did surprise me was the result of the first leg. And in the second leg, especially with the sending-off, everything went their way, regardless of the fact that they were ahead in the tie.
” Rakitić pointed to Madrid’s ability to control key moments and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes as a defining factor in their success. “Real Madrid were able to play against City the way they like, waiting for mistakes and playing on their opponent’s anxiety about the result, because those little details that don’t go your way can happen. We’ll see what happens now.