Rummenigge shoots down Champions League upstarts

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, vice-president of Bayern Munich, believes Porto's surprise Champions League victory last season was a one-off claiming powerhouses such as Bayern, AC Milan and Real Madrid would be the only contenders this season.

Portuguese champions Porto defeated Monaco, another suprise finalist, 3-0 in Gelsenkirchen to be crowned the kings of Europe.

"It will not be easy for the smaller clubs over the next few years," Rummenigge told Kicker magazine.

"With all respect to Porto they are a smaller club. They won the competition as outsiders thanks to a perfect tactical plan."

"But Milan, Real, Barcelona and Bayern will be more focused this season."

Former German international striker Rummenigge, 48, picked out AC Milan and Real Madrid as his favourites for the trophy.

"AC Milan are my tip as they have a great team and will be stronger with Jaap Stam," he said. "Real Madrid are also more potent than last season as their manager (Jose Antonio) Camacho has put some emphasis on defence."

Italian giants Milan (1994, 2003) and Spanish titans Madrid (1998, 2000, 20002) are the only two teams to win the Champions League on more than one occasion since its inception in 1993.

Rummenigge also believes big spenders such as Chelsea, now under the guidance of Porto's victorious coach Jose Mourinho, can buy their way to European glory.

"Yes it is possible to buy the title if you are patient enough," added Rummenigge. "No-one can stop that happening, it is not illegal."