Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday.

Pep Guardiola's side secured a place in the knock-outs with a 3-1 win over Club Brugge but will face a former champion in the next round.

Manchester City kept their Champions League campaign alive by beating Belgian side Club Brugge 3-1 in a nervy must-win match on Wednesday thanks to goals from Mateo Kovacic and substitute Savinho, and a Brugge own goal.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne kicks the ball with Real Madrid's Toni Kroos during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Credit: AP/Dave Thompson

Premier League champions Manchester City have been handed a tricky Champions League knockout phase play-off tie against Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola has reacted to Manchester City facing Real Madrid again in the UEFA Champions League after the two powerhouses were drawn in the play-offs.

The draw for the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals will be made on February 21st, after the conclusion of the play-off round. This year’s Champions League final will take place on Saturday, May 31st at 20:00 GMT in Munich’s Allianz Arena - the ground where Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties to lift the trophy in 2012.

As it stands, Arsenal will play Feyenoord, Juventus, AC Milan or PSV in the Champions League round of 16, while Liverpool will face Monaco, Brest, PSG or Benfica, and for Aston Villa it is Club Brugge, Sporting, Borussia Dortmund or Atalanta.