Manchester City are set for a blockbuster showdown against Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off round, while Celtic will face German giants Bayern Munich.
Pep Guardiola’s side secured their place in the play-off phase with a crucial 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, finishing 22nd in the new group stage rankings. However, their lower placement means they now face one of the toughest possible opponents—defending champions and 15-time winners, Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Scottish champions Celtic have been handed a difficult draw as they prepare to take on Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s most dominant clubs.
Full Champions League Play-Off Draw:
- Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain (winner faces Liverpool or Barcelona)
- Club Brugge vs Atalanta (winner faces Lille or Aston Villa)
- Manchester City vs Real Madrid (winner faces Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen)
- Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven (winner faces Arsenal or Inter Milan)
- Feyenoord vs AC Milan (winner faces Arsenal or Inter Milan)
- Celtic vs Bayern Munich (winner faces Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen)
- Sporting Lisbon vs Borussia Dortmund (winner faces Lille or Aston Villa)
- Benfica vs AS Monaco (winner faces Liverpool or Barcelona)
Guardiola’s Take on the New Format
City boss Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on the new Champions League structure, admitting that the increased number of matches has made the competition even more unpredictable.
“I like, as a spectator, how nothing is guaranteed—big teams can go out. The problem is we play more games in September, October, November… and in the future, more top teams will experience what we went through,” Guardiola explained.
Reflecting on City’s group stage campaign, he added: “We were 45 minutes from being eliminated… It’s been really tough, but we did it. In two weeks, we’ll be in a better place with players returning and new signings settling in. Now, we face one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and we’ll see how we arrive.”
City’s clash with Real Madrid promises to be one of the most highly anticipated ties of the round, as the English champions look to defend their European crown against the most successful club in the competition’s history.
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