Champions League quarter-finals & semi-finals confirmed; what does it mean for Man City?
By Hidayah Ali
The UEFA Champions League draw is completed, and Manchester City have learned their next opponent, and that is Real Madrid.
The two favourites will compete in this season's quarter-finals, with one only able to book a semi-final placing.
The clubs have become quite familiar with each other, as the last two seasons' semi-finals have contained a fixture between the two.
Two seasons ago, it was quite the dramatic tie as the first game ended 4-3 in City's favour, but as the next half approached, City were 5-3 up on aggregate, but a late comeback sent Real Madrid to the final, which they eventually were crowned champions of.
But last season, it seemed like a walk in the park for the Cityzens. They headed into the second leg with a 1-1 draw but found themselves 5-1 winners on aggregate, sending them to the final. We all know how that ended: with City winning the Champions League and claiming a historic treble.
Now, a new story will be written when the two clubs meet once again in a few weeks. Both teams will fancy their chances of winning the tie. Therefore, we could be in for a spectacular game—well, for neutrals, that is.
Quarter-final games
Atletico Madrid vs Dortmund
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona
Potential semi-finals
Atletico Madrid/ Dortmund vs PSG/Barcelona
Arsenal/ Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid/ Man City
If Man City were to surpass Real Madrid, it would be either Bayern Munich, whom City comfortably beat last season or Premier League rivals Arsenal; they would play for a place in the final.
It's also to be noted that Erling Haaland will be reunited with former Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham, who is now one of Real Madrid's superstars. One of the many things about this fixture that will be looked forward to.
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Man City will still be considered the favourites to win this season's edition of the Champions League, though there will be no easy games, especially the upcoming one.
There is a while until the Champions League returns. Before then, City will focus on the FA Cup, which will take place this upcoming weekend against Newcastle United, and then three Premier League fixtures, one of which includes the anticipated Arsenal game.