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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 ...

Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Barcelona, claimed the women’s award for the second time. The 24-year-old has been a pivotal player for both club and country, showcasing her exceptional talent and consistency. The men’s award went to Rodri, a Spanish defensive midfielder who plays for Manchester City. This was his first time winning the award, and his achievements over the past year have been remarkable. Rodri played a crucial role in Manchester City’s unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title win last season. Additionally, he was named the best player at the 2024 European Championship, where Spain dominated and lifted their fourth title. What makes Rodri’s win even more significant is that he is the first defensive midfielder to claim the Ballon d’Or since 1990, and only the third Spaniard to do so. His unique skillset and impact on the field have been instrumental in Manchester City’s dominance in England and Spain’s recent success in Europe. It’s worth noting...