The Champions League draw hasn't caused any surprise at Real Madrid, with Manchester City being drawn. It's a common matchup in recent editions of the competition, and everything seemed to indicate it would happen again, but this time, with one of them eliminated without reaching the round of 16. The reaction in the merengue locker room has been clear and forceful: "It's the new Clásico".
This will be the fourth consecutive knockout round (fifth in total) between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League. The previous ones have been split with two victories for the whites and two for the English, making this the tiebreaker. There is total calm in the Madrid team, knowing that "they'll be as happy as we are".
The truth is that this matchup in the Champions League hasn't pleased either team, but at Real Madrid they are quite clear: "Better now than...". This refers to the poor form Manchester City is currently in, with the merengue locker room believing it's a good time to face this match.
However, the truth is that, as it couldn't be otherwise, they preferred to face a two-legged tie against Celtic, a weaker team. These important duels against Manchester City will only mean significant wear and tear for the Real Madrid players, who are in the midst of a fight for the League. Meanwhile, the English already consider the Premier League lost.
Total confidence in Real Madrid against Manchester City
Despite preferring a matchup with Celtic, at Real Madrid they are clear they will emerge victorious. These will be very complicated matches against Manchester City, but there is confidence in being able to achieve victory, securing a place in the round of 16.
It won't be an easy path for Real Madrid in the Champions League, falling into the most challenging part of the bracket if they manage to qualify.
If they defeat Manchester City, Real Madrid will enter a new draw, possibly facing a team between Atlético and Bayer Leverkusen. Subsequently, in the quarterfinals, they could face the winner of Juventus/PSV against Arsenal or Inter.
It won't be a bed of roses for Real Madrid in the competition, but no one expected otherwise. There is total calm, and everything is expected to go well for the team captained by Ancelotti.