Real Madrid to face their toughest Champions League test: A look back at their record against Manchester City

Real Madrid and Manchester City are set to renew their rivalry in the Champions League playoff round. 1 This will be the sixth time the two European giants have faced each other in the competition, making their encounters one of the most anticipated fixtures in recent years.

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The history between these two clubs is rich and competitive. Since their first meeting in 2012, Real Madrid and Manchester City have produced some of the most thrilling Champions League matches of the past decade. The head-to-head record slightly favors Real Madrid, who have progressed to the next round in three out of the five previous encounters.

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City: A Champions League Classic

One of the most memorable clashes between the two sides came in the 2015-16 season. With the tie delicately poised at 0-0 after the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid edged past Manchester City thanks to a late goal from Gareth Bale at the Santiago Bernabéu. This victory propelled the Spanish giants into the final, where they lifted their 11th European Cup.

The upcoming matches promise to be another thrilling chapter in this modern-day football rivalry. Both teams are packed with world-class talent and have high ambitions for the Champions League. With Pep Guardiola on the Manchester City bench and Carlo Ancelotti leading Real Madrid, the tactical battle between these two experienced managers will be a fascinating subplot.

As the two teams prepare to face off, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable tie. With so much at stake, every goal, every tackle, and every save will be magnified, making this one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures of the Champions League season.