When they face off in the playoffs, Manchester City and Real Madrid are expected to rekindle their Champions League rivalry. In Nyon, Switzerland, UEFA drew the much awaited match, the fourth meeting between the two clubs in four years. Madrid needs to prepare for a difficult first test against the mighty Manchester City, even if they were unable to secure a favorable draw.

With matches against Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen possible in the future, Pep Guardiola’s team remains Madrid’s main obstacle outside of the domestic league stage. With 12 previous meetings between the two clubs prior to the current season, the rivalry has become a defining feature of modern European football. Their first encounters took place in the 2012–2013 Champions League group stage, where Madrid won 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu and then drew 1-1 at the Etihad.

The last meeting took place in the quarterfinals of the previous season, featuring an exciting match at the Bernabéu that concluded in a stunning 3-3 tie. After seizing the lead at first, Madrid showed outstanding defensive tenacity, but City came back to draw the score, ultimately enabling Madrid to go to the semifinals via penalties. For the defending Champions League champions, this match was heartbreaking, and it instantly became a classic.

How are both clubs doing ahead of their upcoming matchup? Interestingly, Madrid has lost three of their six meetings and drawn three, meaning they have yet to win at the Etihad. They will, however, host the crucial second leg at the Bernabéu this time. The dates of the two legs’ matches are set for February 11–12 and February 18–19, respectively. After a crucial victory over Club Brugge, Carlo Ancelotti’s team just moved up to 22nd in the Champions League standings, and now they will take on a City team that is suffering.

The city’s record this season is at three victories, two ties, and three losses. Real Madrid, on the other hand, has had a mixed season, finishing in 11th position in their league phase after five wins and three losses. Supporters should pay attention, though, since Los Blancos have only lost twice in their last 15 games in all competitions, including a crushing 5-2 setback to FC Barcelona.

With five victories to Madrid’s four and four draws in their 13 matches since their first meeting in 2012, City has outperformed Real Madrid in their straight encounters. But given City’s lackluster results against top teams this season, they will have a difficult time defeating the 15-time champs. Without a doubt, Real Madrid will be the favorite to win this game.

However, as football is unpredictable, City’s recent additions may turn the tide in their favor as they get ready to play one of the top clubs in Europe. There is a lot of excitement about this matchup between two of the biggest football teams on the continent, and it should be another exciting chapter in their legendary rivalry.