Man City Draws Real Madrid in Champions League Playoff
Bayern Munich will face Celtic in the battle for a spot in the Round of 16, while French club Brest will take on PSG.
One of either reigning champions Manchester City or record-holders Real Madrid will be eliminated before the Champions League Round of 16. These two European giants, who have delivered thrilling encounters in recent seasons, will now clash in the playoff stage.
The Champions League playoff draw was held on Friday. Bayern Munich will take on Celtic, while PSG faces a domestic rival in Brest.
This marks the fourth consecutive season that City will meet Real Madrid in the knockout phase. After securing a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on the final day of the group stage, Pep Guardiola’s side ensured their survival in the tournament. However, Carlo Ancelotti had hoped to avoid City, but fate had other plans.
In this revamped Champions League format, Real Madrid finished 11th in the league stage, while City ended in 22nd place. The winner of their two-legged tie will move on to the Round of 16.
Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan won’t be facing each other in the playoffs. Juventus has been drawn against PSV Eindhoven, while AC Milan will take on Feyenoord.
The first leg of the playoffs will take place on February 11 and 12, with the return legs scheduled for February 18 and 19.
Last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund will face Sporting Lisbon, while Club Brugge meets Atalanta. Meanwhile, Benfica has been drawn against Monaco.
Champions League Playoff Fixtures:
- Club Brugge vs. Atalanta
- Sporting Lisbon vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
- Celtic vs. Bayern Munich
- Juventus vs. PSV Eindhoven
- Feyenoord vs. AC Milan
- Brest vs. PSG
- Monaco vs. Benfica
The second team in each pairing will host the second leg. The Round of 16 draw will take place on February 21.
