Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tipped Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid for respective wins in their Champions League ties against Schalke 04 and AC Milan.
The Frenchman believes that Los Blancos will be too strong against the German side, while also claiming that Diego Simeone's Atleti will give the Serie A outfit a "tough time".
Speaking in his Eurosport blog, Wenger said: "Real Madrid's tie seems somewhat more favourable to Los Blancos. Schalke are able to play great football but Real Madrid start as favourites.
"Carlo Ancelotti has balanced the team and they have become much stronger in the past two months. When you lose the ball and you have Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo against you, you have to hope you have many players defending as they don't need many to do you harm.
"I see Atletico have been very strong and are extremely good at getting results this season. In La Liga they have kept track with Barcelona and Real Madrid and look particularly strong in defence. Moreover, they have Diego Costa who is extremely dangerous in counter-attacks. I think Milan will have a hard time against Atletico."
The Gunners have their own tie against Bayern Munich this evening.
Paul Gorst
