The draw for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League took place, with Real Madrid and Manchester City facing off as its biggest central target. According to the draw in Nonda, these two giants will compete for a place in the quarter-finals. As Reuters noted, this is the sixth time these two teams have faced each other in the playoffs since the 2019/20 season, and for the first time in Champions League history, two clubs will face each other in the knockout stage for five consecutive seasons.
Their rivalry has already become a separate chapter in European football. According to UEFA's official head-to-head page, these teams have competed in the Champions League 15 times so far: "Real" has won 5 times, "City" also has 5 victories, and 5 more matches ended in draws. The goal difference is almost the same - the Madrid side has scored 25 goals, while the Manchester side has scored 26.
The first pages of this competition were written in the 2012/13 season. At that time, Real Madrid won 3-2 at home in the group stage, and the return match in Manchester ended in a 1-1 draw. It immediately became clear that this couple wasn't ordinary, with intrigue and tension in every meeting.
In the 2015/16 season, the two teams clashed in the semi-finals, and this time the minimal advantage was on Real Madrid's side. The first match in Manchester ended in a 0-0 draw, while in Madrid, Los Blancos won 1-0 and advanced to the final.
In the 2019/20 season, it was City's turn. In the Round of 16, Pep Guardiola's side won 2-1 in Madrid and 2-1 in Manchester, eliminating Real Madrid from the competition. This victory marked a significant turning point in the rivalry for the English club.
In the 2021/22 season, the semi-final again became a real football drama. In the first match in Manchester, City prevailed 4-3, while in the second leg, Real Madrid won 3-1, securing their final ticket thanks to a legendary comeback. This clash is still remembered as one of the most memorable Champions League evenings.
In the 2022/23 season, Manchester United took revenge. After a 1-1 draw in Madrid, City defeated Real Madrid 4-0 at home and advanced to the next stage. In the 2023/24 season, the situation reversed: Real Madrid prevailed 4-3 on penalties after 3-3 in Madrid and 1-1 in Manchester.
In the 2024/25 season playoff transition stage, Real Madrid also prevailed - first 3:2 in Manchester, then 3:1 in Madrid. In the last leg of the current 2025/26 season, Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in December. That is, before a new debate, both sides have their own spiritual foundation.
In short, this round of 16 is not just another playoff. This is a new chapter of the duel, which has become one of the biggest classic rivalries of the Champions League in recent years. Real Madrid relies on its history and character, while City wants to demonstrate its modern strength and systematic football once again. For fans, one thing is clear: this duo will once again present some of the most exciting evenings in European football.
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