Manchester City face Real Madrid in the last 16
Premier League defending champions for the last two seasons, Manchester City have been confirmed to meet Spanish representatives, Real Madrid in the last 16 of the European Champions League. Real Madrid is clearly not a lightweight opponent, but will Manchester City prepare everything for this upcoming match?
There are 16 teams have secured tickets to the knockout stages of the European Champions League this season, Manchester City came out as group winners. That is, referring to the competition rules, they have to deal with runners up from other groups. Supposedly, City opponents tend to be easier, because of course the team that finishes as runner up is a team whose quality is not better.
But unfortunately, the results of the drawing conducted on Tuesday morning WIB (17/12) by UEFA actually drawn a Citizen against the Spanish representative, Real Madrid. Indeed, Los Blancos could not finish at the top of Group A final standings, they only finished as runners up, even adrift far from the points obtained by the top, Paris Saint-Germain.
Talking about the results of the drawing, Manchester City’s football director, Txiki Begiristain indicated that Pep Guardiola’s landing team would first focus on the Premier League. Begiristain realized that Madrid was not an easy opponent to conquer for City, while on the other hand, cutting the distance of 14 points with Liverpool was clearly a tough case.
Therefore, he stressed that City’s focus is still on the Premier League, especially since the last 16 of the last 16 leg against Real Madrid will be held at the end of February and early March.
“We have to stay connected to all competitions, so we can win some trophies. Liverpool have a lot of points in the league, we must stay focused. Facing Real Madrid, we will try to defeat him. If you want to be the best, you must beat the best. It’s always nice to meet Real Madrid. He is the best team, “Begiristain said.
Manchester City will face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu first on February 25, 2020, while the second leg match will be held at Etihad on March 18, 2020.