The UEFA Champions League draw has once again paired Real Madrid with Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
It is becoming a modern European classic. Since the 2019-20 season, the two giants have now been drawn against each other six times in the decisive rounds of the competition.
They have already faced off earlier this season in the group stage, where City produced a comeback to win 2-1 in December.
Now, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake, the rivalry intensifies once again.
Analysis from the club director
Speaking immediately after the draw, Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueno, reflected on how often these two clubs meet in Europe. With a smile, he admitted the repetition has almost become routine.
“It’s funny that we play them every season. I think it’s five in a row now,” he admitted
Butragueno then shifted his focus to the tactical familiarity between the sides. He stressed that both clubs know exactly what to expect from one another at this stage.
“We know each other very well. They have a great team and a great squad, which gives Guardiola a lot of options.”
"Es curioso que todas las temporadas jugamos contra ellos. Creo que son cinco seguidas".
Butragueño y el Manchester City.#UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/UmJjHp4DOu
— Movistar Plus+ Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) February 27, 2026
Attention then turned to the order of the legs. Real Madrid will host the first match at the Santiago Bernabeu, which adds pressure to secure an advantage before travelling to England.
“We play the first game at home, which means we have to get a good result that will allow us to defend it in Manchester,” he said.
Beyond strategy, he highlighted the entertainment value of this fixture. In his view, this tie consistently delivers high-level attacking football and spectacle for neutral fans.
Butragueno believes that people “are going to enjoy this game a lot” because “they are offensive games, with two teams that want to dominate.”
“There are usually goals; it’s one of the best games you can see in the world,” he added.
However, not everything is positive for Los Blancos heading into the tie, as Kylian Mbappe is currently sidelined with injury, and uncertainty surrounds his availability.
Addressing that concern, Butragueno acknowledged how crucial the French forward is to Madrid’s ambitions.
“Let’s hope it’s nothing serious, because he’s very important to us. At the moment, we don’t know if he’ll be available against Manchester City,” he concluded.