Manchester City-Real Madrid: huge Champions League playoff clash
The Whites will be looking to take the upper hand in a tie between the champions of the last three editions (9 pm CET).
The new Champions League playoff format for a place in the last 16 pits the winners of the last three editions of the competition against each other. Real Madrid, winners in 2022 and 2024, meet Manchester City, who lifted the trophy in 2023. The Whites will be aiming to take the upper hand tonight at the Etihad Stadium in a tie that will be decided on Wednesday, 19 February, at the Santiago Bernabéu.
This clash has quickly become a European classic. Real Madrid and Manchester City lock horns for the fourth consecutive season in the Champions League. The 2022 semi-final with goals from Rodrygo and last season's quarter-final with a penalty shoot-out victory will always be remembered by all Madridistas.
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“These matches are so high-level you have to be at your best in every area,” said Ancelotti in the press conference before the clash at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian will be without the injured Lucas Vázquez in his squad, he does the team’s top four scorers this season in Mbappé, Vini Jr., Rodrygo and Bellingham. Their performance in front of goal will be crucial to achieving a positive result ahead of the second leg.
Manchester City
Guardiola's side finished 22nd in the league phase of the Champions League with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats. At home, they are unbeaten in the continental competition and their top scorer is Haaland, with 6 goals.