The two European giants know City are struggling but will still have a sense of dread at maybe having to face Pep Guardiola’s men

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table, and we will get Manchester City against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs.

Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Celtic Glasgow in the next round of the Champions League (Round of 32), with the draw taking place this Friday at noon CET. If Los Blancos advance to the Round of 16,