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

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

Real Madrid turned their mixed start to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season around with two wins at the start of 2025. The defending champions have struggled within the new league-phase format of the competition with 36 teams entered into an extended league table.

After 12 victories in 14 matches across all competitions, Real Madrid are determined to keep the momentum rolling when they face lowly Espanyol in LaLiga on Saturday, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on the eve of the match.

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.