Guardiola embraces another Real Madrid clash

By Akpo ESCO

Pep Guardiola has welcomed Manchester City’s latest Champions League draw against Real Madrid, framing the rivalry as a crucible for growth. “For our club, as much as you play against the BEST TEAMS in the whole history of this competition, you learn and improve and you are better in the future,” Guardiola said.

City’s meeting with Madrid will add another chapter to a fixture that has defined recent knockout rounds, with both sides trading eliminations since 2020. Guardiola acknowledged the magnitude of facing the 14-time winners but stressed the long-term value: repeated tests against Europe’s elite set standards for his squad.

Madrid and City are expected to meet over two legs in the quarter-finals; UEFA will confirm dates later this week.