Manchester City has a chance to make a statement to Europe and the Premier League as they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs later this month. This matchup marks the fourth consecutive season in which City has confronted Real, having previously met in the semi-finals in both 2022 and 2023, as well as in the quarter-finals last year. The Spanish team has won two of those encounters, whereas the Blues triumphed during their path to achieving the Treble in 2023. It is true that any team that has won has typically gone on to secure the tournament victory. If City can succeed over the two matches, it will significantly demonstrate that they have moved past their recent challenges. This is undoubtedly the most challenging draw that City could have encountered, particularly since the second leg will not be held at the Etihad. However, there is an opportunity to highlight the positives from the match, despite manager Pep Guardiola being aware of the difficult challenge ahead. “It already feels like a derby, having faced Madrid for four consecutive years,” Guardiola commented. “Both Madrid and Bayern are very challenging opponents. I hope we can perform well in the first leg here and then in the second leg in Madrid.”
