Defending champions Real Madrid will take on 2023 winners Manchester City in a highly anticipated play-off round clash of this season’s Champions League, following Friday’s draw. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the two teams have met in a knockout tie, with Real Madrid edging past City in a penalty shootout in last season’s quarterfinals.
City, who narrowly advanced after finishing 22nd in the league phase under the new tournament format, faced a challenging draw, with Bayern Munich as their other possible opponent. Pep Guardiola’s side will host the first leg on February 11 before traveling to Spain for the return fixture on February 19.