“Man City–Real Madrid again”, Guardiola reacts after UCL Round of 16 draw
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts after his side were drawn against Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
The tie marks yet another chapter in what has become one of the defining European rivalries of recent seasons.
The two heavyweights have crossed paths multiple times in recent years, including during the league phase of this season’s competition. They also faced off in last season’s playoffs, where Los Blancos progressed to the quarter-finals at the expense of the Cityzens.
Reacting to the draw, Guardiola acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but insisted that facing elite opposition is part of the club’s growth.
“Man City–Real Madrid again… for our club, as much as you play against the best teams in the whole history of this competition, you learn and improve and you are better in the future,” he said.
Real Madrid, record winners of the competition, have often proven to be a stumbling block for City in Europe. However, Guardiola’s men have also enjoyed memorable nights against the Spanish giants, underlining the fine margins that typically define their encounters.
With both teams boasting world-class talent and vast European pedigree, the Round of 16 showdown is widely expected to be one of the standout ties of the knockout stage.