In Video: Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout phase play-off

Manchester City and Real Madrid on a Collision Course Once Again in the Champions League

Manchester City and Real Madrid are set to face off for the fourth consecutive season in the Champions League, with the two teams amounting to one of the most intense rivalries in the tournament’s history. The draw for the knockout stages has been made, and Manchester City will travel to Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal, but it’s the tie against Real Madrid that has dominated the conversation.

Pep Guardiola, in a recent press conference, acknowledged that Real Madrid are the "kings of Europe" and that City are currently not at the same level as their Spanish counterparts. However, he did hint that the team’s fortunes could change in a few weeks’ time, when the first leg of the tie takes place. With all the new January signings registered and available, City may be able to put up a stronger challenge against Real Madrid, who will be looking to exact revenge after being knocked out of the competition by Manchester City in two of the last four seasons.

This rivalry between Manchester City and Real Madrid is a tantalizing one, with plenty of history and drama to draw from. The two teams have already met in the Champions League three times since Pep Guardiola took over at City, with the aggregate score reading 7-7. In 2020, Manchester City successfully navigated the affected season, going through to the next round, but Real Madrid made up for it by coming back from the brink to win the trophy that season. In 2022, Manchester City thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in the round of 16, while Real Madrid got their revenge last season, edging out City in a thrilling tie that went to penalties.

Guardiola and his players will be looking to put this dominant display with Real Madrid behind them and make a strong start to the second half of the season. With their new signings now registered, the Citizens will be hoping to prove that they can compete with the best teams in Europe. Real Madrid, for their part, will be eager to make the most of their holdover quarter-final spot and continue their quest for a record-extending 14th Champions League title.

It’s shaping up to be another intriguing tie between two of the biggest clubs in the world, with both teams looking to make history and write their own chapters in this storied rivalry. Can Manchester City overcome the might of Real Madrid and make it to the next round, or will the defending champions prove too strong for them to handle? The world of football will be watching with bated breath as this tie unfolds.

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