Real Madrid vs. Manchester City: A Champions League Showdown
Defending champions Real Madrid are set to clash with 2023 winners Manchester City in the play-off round of this season’s Champions League. This high-stakes matchup marks the fourth consecutive year these two football giants will meet in a knockout tie. Last season, Real Madrid edged past City in a nail-biting penalty shootout during the quarter-finals.
Format Changes and Key Matchups
Manchester City narrowly advanced to this stage after finishing 22nd in the league phase under the competition’s new format. They will host the first leg before travelling to Spain for the return fixture. Other exciting matchups in the play-off round include Celtic taking on six-time European champions Bayern Munich, and an all-French encounter between Paris Saint-Germain and surprise contenders Brest.
More Intriguing Clashes
Juventus will face PSV Eindhoven while Feyenoord meets AC Milan in two matchups featuring former Champions League winners. Europa League holders Atalanta, who missed out on an automatic last-16 spot, will battle Belgium’s Club Brugge. Additionally, Portugal’s Sporting will go up against last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund, while Monaco is set to meet Benfica, having previously lost to them in the league phase.
Looking Ahead
The play-off ties will take place next month, with the winners advancing to the last 16, joining top teams from the league phase such as Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa. This year promises to be filled with thrilling football action!
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