Former Real Madrid and Barcelona winger Luis Figo believes that English clubs have closed the gap on the two Spanish giants in this season's Champions League.

Either Madrid or Barca have won each of the last five editions of the Champions League, while the last English team to lift the trophy were Chelsea in 2012.

However, Manchester City are regarded as favourites to go all the way this term while Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have all also made it into the knockout stages.

"Looking at the last editions it has been the prosperity of the Spanish teams, but I think the English teams have very good quality," Figo told Sports Mole at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

"They have a very good league and I think the gap is not so big, especially as you can have a good day or not a good day in a semi or quarter-final which could decide a season."

Figo won the Champions League once during his illustrious playing career - with Real Madrid in 2002.