Real Madrid vs Man City: The clash that could decide the Champions League winner

Carlo Ancelotti has already made his call - whoever triumphs between Real Madrid and Manchester City will go on to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy.

The two European giants are set to clash once again, marking the fourth consecutive season they’ve met in the prestigious competition.

So far, Real have come out on top twice, while City claimed victory once.

With that history in mind, Ancelotti has even gone as far as to label their rivalry a new ‘Clasico’ of European football.

History to repeat itself?

The significance of this fixture goes beyond just a playoff battle.

In all three of their previous encounters, the winner of the tie has gone on to win the competition.

History suggests that one of these teams will be lifting the trophy at Wembley.

Despite Los Blancos being considered slight favourites, the challenge will be immense for both sides.

Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola have faced their share of struggles this season, with unexpected losses and inconsistent form plaguing both teams.

The fact that they find themselves in the knockout playoffs, rather than smoothly progressing to the Round of 16, speaks volumes about their respective challenges this campaign.

However, it is City who have arguably suffered the greater setback this season.

With a top-four finish in the Premier League looking unlikely, Guardiola’s men are under immense pressure heading into this tie.

Ancelotti’s prediction

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Ancelotti gave his thoughts on the challenge ahead:

"It is always a headache to face Manchester City," he admitted.

"It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the attitude and confidence of the teams. It's such a high-level game you have to be at your best in every aspect.

"It seems like it's a 'Clasico' because we have played each other a lot of times in this competition.

“It's the most difficult game we can face, regardless of form.

"They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there. It's a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.

"I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition."

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Guardiola’s response

While Real Madrid have found their rhythm and currently sit atop La Liga, City are facing an uphill battle in England.

But if there’s one thing Guardiola’s side has proven in the past, it’s their ability to deliver when it matters most.

The City boss acknowledged his team's struggles but remained confident in their ability to rise to the occasion:

"We are where we are, and I know perfectly but the team has something special and hopefully we can prove it," Guardiola said.

"I will not deny how I trust with the players who gave us that incredible decade, winning a lot of things and playing a high standard, I know what we are capable of.

"To be honest it is always better to have a second leg at home in case you have extra time with your people.

“We play the second game away because we were not good in the group stage - when you finish 22nd you cannot ask for any favours.

"In football you have to deserve it - we do not deserve it. We were not even close.

“That's why when the draw was either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, I thought that is what we deserve."

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