The introduction of the new UCL format has added an extra knockout round, with 16 teams battling for the remaining eight spots in the last 16 after finishing between 9th and 24th in the league phase.
Defying expectations, defending champions Real Madrid and Manchester City one of the tournament’s strongest sides in recent years have both found themselves in this precarious stage. That means one of these giants will fall before the round of 16.
Madrid secured their passage by winning their final three league-phase games, finishing 11th with 15 points.
Meanwhile, City endured a rough patch, going four games without a win before a crucial 3-1 comeback victory over Club Brugge on Matchday 8 sealed their place in the knockouts.
Head-to-Head
Pep Guardiola endured early struggles against Ancelotti’s Real Madrid during his Bayern Munich days, losing both encounters.
However, since taking charge at Manchester City, he has lost just twice in nine meetings with the Italian across all competitions.
When it comes to Champions League knockout ties, Ancelotti has had the upper hand, eliminating Guardiola on three occasions 2013-14, 2021-22, and 2023-24.
Now, for the fourth consecutive season, Madrid and City are set to clash in the competition’s knockout phase.
Los Blancos head into this fixture in impressive form, winning their last three Champions League games while scoring 11 goals in the process.
In contrast, City have struggled in Europe, managing just one win in their last five matches since their 5-0 thrashing of Sparta Prague in October.
That was also the last time Guardiola’s men kept a clean sheet in the competition, having conceded 14 goals in their last five outings.
Read Also:Kylian Mbappe Sets New History With His Record-breaking Goal Against Atlético Madrid
Team News
Ruben Dias made his return on Saturday, playing the first half after recovering from a groin problem that sidelined him since Matchday 7.
Nico González, a January signing, was forced off injured midway through his City debut.
Nathan Aké remains a doubt, having not played since 14 January due to a knock.
Ederson has missed City’s last two games with an undisclosed issue.
Jérémy Doku has been sidelined for five matches with a muscle injury.
Oscar Bobb remains unavailable after suffering a leg fracture in training back in August.
Rodri is out for the season after undergoing surgery on a cruciate ligament injury sustained against Arsenal in September.
Antonio Rüdiger picked up a thigh injury against Espanyol and has yet to return.
David Alaba, who recovered from an ACL tear, suffered an adductor injury on 4 February and is set for another spell on the sidelines.
Eduardo Camavinga made a brief return as a late substitute on Saturday after missing six games with a hamstring injury.
Dani Carvajal (out since 5 October) and Éder Militão (since 9 November) are both expected to miss the rest of the season due to knee injuries.
Predictions
Madrid’s superior Champions League pedigree and recent form give them an edge, but Manchester City’s firepower cannot be underestimated.
With Madrid’s defensive injuries and City’s struggles at the back, we expect an open contest. A high-scoring draw or a narrow Madrid win seems likely, with Vinícius Júnior and Haaland pivotal.
