Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last-16 playoffs next month, renewing their fierce rivalry.
Both teams had disappointing group-stage campaigns but secured spots in the knockout rounds.
Real Madrid appear to be finding form both in La Liga and Europe, while Manchester City look likely to lose their domestic title this season.
This will mark the fourth consecutive season the two teams meet in the Champions League, with Real Madrid holding the edge.
In 2021/22, Madrid made a stunning comeback in the semi-finals, overturning a 4-3 first-leg loss to City with late goals from Rodrygo Goes and an extra-time winner from Karim Benzema.
Madrid went on to win the final against Liverpool, but City got revenge in 2023, defeating Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals before lifting their first-ever European title against Inter Milan.
Ahead of this new encounter, Madrid have the form advantage after winning the 2024 title.
Their quarter-final second-leg victory over City last season was sealed by Antonio Rudiger’s winning penalty in a shootout after a brutal night at the Etihad.
The first leg of the last-16 clash will be at the Etihad on February 11/12, with the return leg in Madrid the following week.
The winners will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-finals.
The draw for the last-16 will be made on February 21.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
