Manchester City’s injury problems this season could be matched by their competition for the last-16 play-off round as Real Madrid battle their own issues.Pep Guardiola and his players were issued

Real Madrid has confirmed a second injury to a first team star which will likewise severely affect planning for a Champions League showdown with Manchester City.

Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday.

Elsewhere among the eight ties, Celtic meet Bayern Munich and there is an all-French contest between minnows Brest and serial domestic champions Paris Saint-Germain. The first legs of the play-off matches will take place on February 11 and 12, with the returns a week later.

Real Madrid central defender Antonio Rüdiger has been diagnosed with a leg muscle injury sustained in a Spanish league game on Saturday.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne kicks the ball with Real Madrid's Toni Kroos during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Credit: AP/Dave Thompson

Manchester City will face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs. The teams who finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase of the tournament will play two-legged play-off ties on 11-12 and 18-19 February to decide who advances to the round of 16.