Exclusive – Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand claims Manchester City are ‘not ready’ to stop Ronaldo and Gareth Bale

Rio Ferdinand has written off Manchester City's chances of reaching a first Champions League final.

City host Spanish giants Real Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

Real boast an array of superstars - Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale among them - and Ferdinand believes they will expose City's defensive frailties.

The former United defender, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, said: "If Bale and Cristiano are playing, over the two legs I can't see Man City being within two goals of Real.

"Defensively they have not given me any cause to suggest they are going to be ready to stand up to the talent of Bale and Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo has scored 50 goals a season for the last five or six seasons - it is ridiculous."