vietexplorer0027

Real Madrid and Manchester City will face off in a highly anticipated Champions League knockout tie for the fourth consecutive year. Both teams failed to secure a top-eight finish in the new league-phase format, with Real placing 11th and City a disappointing 22nd. The two powerhouses will now compete in a two-legged playoff, along with the teams that finished 9th to 24th, for a spot in the coveted last 16. The rivalry between Real and City has intensified in recent years, with this being their fourth knockout tie since 2020. City boss Pep Guardiola expressed his sentiments on the draw, stating, “It feels like a derby already, four years in a row facing Real Madrid.” Guardiola also acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup, noting that both Real and Bayern Munich would have been tough opponents. He added that his team hopes to arrive at the first leg in good form and carry that momentum into the second leg in Madrid. Real Madrid, on the other hand, remain confident. Despite their ...