Manchester City will face off against Real Madrid in February after being drawn together in a blockbuster playoff tie, while Celtic will go head-to-head with Bayern Munich. The playoff winners will enter the round of 16, but there is no further safety net for those defeated.
City, who narrowly avoided elimination by finishing 22nd in the league phase, hopes to bounce back from their previous disastrous domestic form against Real, who they lost to in last season’s quarter-finals. City’s recent signings could provide a boost, and they will host the first leg at home before traveling to the Bernabéu.
Celtic, meanwhile, faces an equally tough assignment as they look to break their Champions League drought since 2012-13. The team may face disciplinary action from Uefa due to pyrotechnics during a recent match, and fans could be banned from attending the game in Munich if found guilty.
The playoff winners will play Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen, who have already progressed to the round of 16 after finishing in the top eight. Other teams, including Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, face all-French or Serie-A/Eredivisie ties.
Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are through to the round of 16 but will face specific opponents from the playoff winners. Manchester United and Tottenham also secured safe passage after their victories on Thursday and will face other opponents in the Europa League playoffs.
Manchester City’s chances of survival will be tested by Real Madrid, while Celtic faces an uphill battle against Bayern Munich. Will either team be able to overcome their opponents and make history in the Champions League?
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/31/manchester-city-to-face-real-madrid-in-champions-league-playoffs