Top-tier rivalry, Real Madrid faces Manchester City

Real Madrid meets Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16, marking the fifth consecutive season these European giants clash, promising a fierce battle.

2025/26 Champions League round of 16 draw continues to deliver a top-tier "rivalry" as Real Madrid faces Manchester City for the fifth consecutive season in the knockout stage. Meanwhile, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will take on Chelsea in another highly anticipated and tense matchup.

According to the draw results announced on February 27, Real Madrid will host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg next month, before traveling to England for the return leg a week later. This is considered the marquee tie of the round of 16, as two of Europe's top forces meet again, both aiming to conquer the throne.

The two teams have already faced each other this season. During the league phase in December, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory right in Madrid. The Premier League side finished the group stage in 8th place, while Real Madrid placed 9th. This result allowed Champions League 2023 winners Manchester City to qualify directly for the round of 16, while Real Madrid was forced into the play-offs.

In the play-off round, the Spanish Royal club overcame Benfica with a 3-1 aggregate score over two legs to secure their spot in the knockout stage. With a rich history of 15 European titles, Real Madrid continues to demonstrate their pedigree on the continent's most prestigious stage.

Since 2012, this marks the eighth season Real Madrid and Manchester City have faced each other. Last season, Real Madrid eliminated City in the knockout play-off round, having previously defeated the English side in the 2022 semi-finals and the 2024 quarter-finals on their title-winning run. Conversely, Manchester City also overcame Real Madrid in the 2023 semi-finals. This dense history of encounters makes the upcoming reunion highly anticipated as an "early final" of the Champions League.