Manchester City is set for a high-stakes Champions League play-off against 15-time European champions Real Madrid, while Celtic will take on Bayern Munich in a bid to secure a spot in the last 16.
After securing a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their final league-phase match, Pep Guardiola’s side now faces a familiar foe in Madrid, marking the fifth two-legged clash between the clubs in six seasons. Last year, Madrid ended City’s Champions League title defense with a penalty shootout victory at the Etihad in the quarter-finals. However, in 2023, City triumphed over Madrid in the semi-finals en route to securing a historic treble.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s draw with Bayern Munich brings a reunion with former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, now managing the German giants. The winners of these ties will progress to face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.
Manchester City’s second-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu falls just days before a crucial Premier League showdown against Liverpool, adding further intensity to their fixture schedule. The Champions League knockout phase play-offs begin on February 11-12, with return legs on February 18-19.
Source: Swifteradio.com
