Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, February 27, 2026, 4:54 p.m. / Updated Friday, February 27, 2026, 4:55 p.m.
Pep Guardiola (55), the manager of Manchester City, does not seem at all bothered by the fact that he will have to face Real Madrid again in the Champions League.
Following today's draw, the two teams will meet in the “round of 16” of the competition. Manchester City and Real Madrid have met 11 times in the last six years.
Pep Guardiola: “For us it is important”
The Spanish technician held the press conference ahead of the Premier League match against Leeds, scheduled for February 28 at 19:30. Guardiola addressed several topics, including the two duels against Real Madrid in the “eighths” of the Champions League.
“The more often you face the best teams in the history of the tournament, the more you learn to be better in the future. For us, this is important”said Pep, regarding the “double” with Real Madrid, according to beinsports.com.
-
The two European giants they have faced each other 11 times in the last six yearsthe last time this season, in the league phase. Pep Guardiola's team won at the “Bernabeu”, 2-1.
The two matches will be played on March 11 in England, respectively on March 17 in Spain.
Guardiola at the last match between the two teams / Imago Images
In such matches there is never a favorite. The quality of the teams is very high and you should never judge your opponent based on their current form. I think it will be two different matches. It's like a final.
– said Hugo Viana, the sports director of the “citizens”
Results from recent Champions League matches:
-
2025-26 league phase:
Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City
-
2024-25 Knockout Stage Playoffs, Real Madrid win 6-3 on aggregate:
Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City
Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid
-
Quarter-finals 2023-24 Real Madrid win on penalties:
Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City
-
2022-23 semi-finals, Manchester City win 5-1 on aggregate:
Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester City
-
2021-22 semi-finals, Real Madrid win 6-5 on aggregate:
Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City
Manchester City 4-3 Real Madrid
-
Final favorites 2019-20 Manchester City win 4-2 on aggregate:
Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City
The table until the final of the Champions League
