Premier League champions Manchester City have been handed a tricky Champions League knockout phase play-off tie against Real Madrid after the draw held at UEFA’s office in Nyon.
Pep Guardiola’s side secured a play-off spot by finishing 22nd in the league phase after a crucial 3-1 win over Club Brugge. However, their unseeded status left them vulnerable to a tough draw, and they now face a familiar foe in Real Madrid, whom they have battled in three consecutive seasons.
The winner of each of their past meetings has gone on to lift the trophy. Madrid beat City on penalties in last season’s quarter-finals, avenging their semi-final loss from the year before. Los Blancos also triumphed in their 2022 semi-final encounter.
Elsewhere, Celtic, who finished 21st, have been drawn against Bayern Munich. As unseeded teams, City and Celtic will host the first legs on February 11 or 12 before travelling for the return legs on February 18 or 19.
Other notable play-off ties include an all-French clash between Brest and Paris Saint-Germain, while Monaco will face Benfica. Juventus take on PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan play Feyenoord, Club Brugge meet Atalanta, and Sporting Lisbon face Borussia Dortmund.
The last-16 draw, set for February 21, will determine the paths for top-seeded teams including Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa. Should Man City and Celtic progress, they will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.
Champions League knockout play-off draw
Club Brugge vs Atalanta
Sporting Lisbon vs Borussia Dortmund
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
Celtic vs Bayern Munich
Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven
Feyenoord vs AC Milan
Brest v PSG
Monaco v Benfica
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