Only one of either Real Madrid or Manchester City will qualify for the Champions League last 16 after they both had poor league phase campaigns and face each other in the playoffs.
The article from MSN discusses the upcoming Champions League playoffs, focusing on the intense competition between Manchester City and Real Madrid as they vie for survival in the newly formatted tournament. The new format has introduced a playoff stage, adding an extra layer of excitement and pressure to the competition. Manchester City, the defending champions, are set to face Real Madrid, a team with a storied history in the competition, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The article highlights the strategic adjustments teams must make due to the format change, the historical context of the rivalry, and the high stakes involved as both teams aim to advance to the knockout stages. Key players, tactical insights, and the implications of the new format on team strategies are also covered, emphasizing the blend of tradition and innovation in this year's Champions League.