Pep Guardiola has labelled the new Champions League format as 'weird' after discovering Manchester City will face Real Madrid once more in the last 16 - just months after beating them in the league phase. This means City and Real will lock horns again just over two months since Guardiola's side triumphed at the Bernabeu. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTTrending"Yes, it is a little bit weird [to face Real Madrid again]," he said. "Not many times does it happen that the last game of the group stage - Real Madrid v Benfica - is the first draw. Hopefully we can play against them in the [Champions League] final!

Source: Express February 28, 2026 14:41 UTC