Real Madrid Faces Manchester City in Champions League Play-Off

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti anticipates that the winner of the upcoming Champions League play-off against Manchester City will be a leading contender for the trophy. This matchup marks the fourth consecutive season the two teams are facing each other in the competition, with both sides facing challenges this season—City struggling in the Premier League and Madrid dealing with defensive injuries. Ancelotti regards City and their manager Pep Guardiola as the toughest opponent, emphasizing the unpredictability of the match and the necessity for both teams to perform at their best. Historically, the victor of this tie has gone on to win the Champions League in recent years, adding to the stakes of the encounter. Ancelotti expressed surprise at City's decline this season, noting their capacity for excellence and innovation under Guardiola. Despite the challenges, he remains confident in his team's competitiveness even amid an injury crisis.