Manchester City and Real Madrid, the last two Champions League winners, will face each other for the fourth consecutive season, this time in the playoff round for a spot in the Round of 16. Both teams find themselves in this situation after a lackluster group stage.

Spanish international Thiago Alcantara, a former player for Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, conducted the draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The result? A blockbuster clash that has become a familiar encounter in recent years—though this time, it comes much earlier in the competition. One of these two title contenders will be eliminated before even reaching the knockout rounds.

City knew they would be up against another European powerhouse, either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, both of whom they’ve faced in recent decisive matches. Their poor group stage campaign, which nearly saw them eliminated until a second-half turnaround against Club Brugge, put them in this predicament—just as Real Madrid’s key missteps against Lille and Milan forced them into the playoffs.

Although Pep Guardiola's side has struggled this season, delivering performances below their usual high standards, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted he did not want to face them. The alternative was Celtic, a seemingly easier opponent, but fortune placed them against Bayern Munich instead.

Madrid holds a theoretical advantage by playing the second leg at the Bernabéu, where they famously knocked out City in a dramatic encounter not long ago—a moment still cherished by Los Blancos' fans.

When Are the Matches?

Real Madrid will travel to the Etihad for the first leg on February 11 or 12.

The return leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu a week later, on February 18 or 19, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.