The UEFA Champions League Knockout Playoffs Draw took place on Friday and revealed matchups set for February. One of the most awaited clashes will see Manchester City head Real Madrid Again, Prompts a reaction from head coach Pep Guardiola.
After securing qualification with a crucial 3-1 victory over Club Brug On the last match day City encountered a tough opponent in the playoffs –Either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. A draw finally paired them with the Spanish giants. On the question of the matchup during his press conference before the match before City’s play against ArsenalGuardiola responded with a mixture of humor and determination.
“It looks like a derby already – four years in a row before Real Madrid“Said Guardiola as he laughed. “Well, Madrid and Bayern were both really tough… hopefully we can meet the first leg here and the week later in Madrid as well as possibleHe added.
This will highlight The fifth time Guardiola is facing Real Madrid while managing Manchester CityWith their first meeting from the 2019-20 season. Now, in the edition 2024-25, the Spanish coach will once again prepare for one of the most formidable teams in the competition-but this time at an earlier stage.
Guardiolas Champions League Record vs. Real Madrid with City
Manchester City and Real Madrid have established themselves as two of the dominant forces in European football in recent yearsWhich leads to several meetings with high efforts in the Champions League. Guardiola has already met Real Madrid four times with City, and this will highlight their fifth showdown:
Previous Champions League meetings:
- 2019-20 round 16: Manchester City 4-2 Real Madrid (Global score).
- 21-22 Semifinal: Real Madrid 6-5 Manchester City.
- 22-23 Semifinal: Manchester City 5-1 Real Madrid.
- 23-24 quarterfinals: Real Madrid 4 (4) -4 (3) Manchester City (Madrid won on penalty).
With the record that stands at two eliminations per piece, Guardiola will be determined to tip the balance to the city’s advantage this time. The first stage is played at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, February 11While the other leg is set on Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, February 18.
A great February schedule for Manchester City
One of the advantages of ending in the eight best of the Champions League phase was to avoid the playoffs. But because City failed to do it, They are now facing a cruel schedule in FebruaryPacked with high stakes.
During the month, City will play seven matches in all competitions: Arsenal on 2nd, Leyton Orient on the 8th (FA Cup), Real Madrid on the 11th, Newcastle United on the 15th, Madrid again on the 18th, Liverpool on the 23rd and Tottenham Spurs on 26. With a Such a challenging fixture list urged Guardiola to embrace the challenge.
“We had the game in Paris (PSG), And then we had to meet Chelsea, so we were already there in the middle of difficult play. The schedule is what it is, in the Premier League everyone must meet each other, but they always set the toughest schedules for European law, in the important stages and the most difficult“The coach pronounced.
He then pointed out that the difficulty is more in the Premier League scheme rather than the Champions League itself. “The problem is not facing Real Madrid or Bavaria – that’s that one, you have NewcastleSaid Guardiola. “They have always been so friendly with the fixture at this time of year. It has happened for several years. “
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