Real Madrid Seeks To Evade Manchester City In Upcoming Champions League Knockout Draw

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Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, is keen to avoid facing Manchester City in the Champions League knockout play-offs. After finishing 11th in the 36-team table, Madrid will compete against either City or Celtic for a spot in the last 16. Despite a 3-0 victory over Brest, other results did not favour them, preventing a top-eight finish.

Ancelotti has guided Madrid to three Champions League titles, with two victories occurring during his current tenure at Santiago Bernabeu. In both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons, they eliminated City on their way to winning the trophy. However, Ancelotti prefers not to meet Pep Guardiola's side again. "We don’t like to play against City, but if we have to, we’ll do it like on other occasions," he stated after their win in France.

Real Madrid has consistently reached the knockout stages in all 29 of their appearances in this competition. This season began with three losses in their first five matches but ended with three consecutive wins. The team has claimed the European title 15 times and is determined to continue their success.

The draw for the next round will take place on Friday in Nyon. Thibaut Courtois, Madrid's goalkeeper, commented on potentially facing last year's champions: "If we want to win this competition we have to beat the best teams." This sentiment highlights Madrid's readiness for any challenge.

Ancelotti acknowledged that a sluggish start affected their league phase performance. "We should have woken up earlier in this competition," he remarked. Rodrygo echoed this by stating that reaching the top eight was their goal but acknowledged shortcomings in some matches.

Despite these challenges, Ancelotti remains optimistic about overcoming any opponent they face. He told Movistar: "It's a draw and what comes, comes. To win the Champions League you have to win every game." This reflects his belief that success requires defeating all competitors.

Madrid's focus now shifts towards improving and preparing for future matches. Rodrygo emphasised this by saying: "Now we have to keep improving." With determination and experience on their side, Real Madrid aims to advance further in this prestigious tournament.