Jamie Redknapp: Manchester City are Champions League contenders

Jamie Redknapp thinks Manchester City are "genuine contenders" to win the Champions League after beating Barcelona.

City, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last season, were impressive 3-1 winners against Barca on Tuesday to move a step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages.

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Defender Pablo Zabaleta said the result silenced some doubters while manager Pep Guardiola hailed the victory as "so important" for his side, as they had lost all five of their previous meetings with the Catalans.

With two games in the group stage remaining, Redknapp believes City can build on the victory and potentially go all the way this season.

Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring against Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring against Barcelona

"Absolutely. They are genuine Champions League contenders because of the players they have got and because Guardiola has got that pedigree," he said on a Sky Bet Facebook live chat.

"It wouldn't surprise me one bit if they won it.

Pep Guardiola praises his Manchester City side after they beat Barcelona in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola praises his Manchester City side after they beat Barcelona in the Champions League.

"The quality City have in the side…and they now have a manager who has got them at it, there is a hunger and desire that they didn't have under [Manuel] Pellegrini. [Kevin] De Bruyne is a fantastic player and [Raheem] Sterling was excellent in the first half against Barcelona.

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"Yes, it was a Barcelona side with injuries to key players, but the front three still played and City handled them pretty well."

Watch how Manchester City earned a famous victory over Barcelona
Watch how Manchester City earned a famous victory over Barcelona

City's immediate focus will be the Premier League when they host Middlesbrough on Saturday and Redknapp expects Aitor Karanka's side to pose a test at the Etihad after City's midweek exertions.

"The pressure of a Champions League night does take it out of you," he said. "There is no doubt Guardiola will freshen it up and bring one or two players in.

After not playing for Manchester City since August, Yaya Toure has apologised to the club
After not playing for Manchester City since August, Yaya Toure has apologised to the club's management on behalf of him and agent Dimitri Seluk

"I think Boro have turned the corner a bit and they will make it difficult for Man City."

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