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.

Premier League power Manchester City will meet La Liga leader Real Madrid in the knockout phase of the 2024-25 Champions League soccer tournament, organizers revealed with a draw Friday in Nyon, Switzerland.

NYON (Reuters) -Defending champions Real Madrid will play 2023 winners Manchester City in a blockbuster Champions League knockout phase playoff tie after the two teams were pitted against each other in the draw held in Nyon on Friday.

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City is now a familiar sight in the Champions League. European soccer’s most engrossing rivalry in recent years will resume in a two-legged playoff next month to reach the round of 16.

Anwar El Ghazi, a Netherlands international winger formerly of Aston Villa and PSV, had often posted about Palestine throughout his career, but one particular message, written on his Instagram story in October 2023, saw his contract terminated by his football club and led to a lengthy legal battle.

The Taylor Swift effect and further revenue away from soccer have helped Los Blancos, with the Miami Dolphins' home game later this year only expected to help keep them at the top.