Real Madrid and Manchester City were once again paired in a knock-out game in the UEFA Champions League this season, with the two sides having faced off against one another in the last three seasons

The UEFA Champions League play-off round has pitted two of its strongest teams in recent years up against one another as Real Madrid take on Manchester City.

Erling Haaland has been dropped to the bench for Manchester City's crucial Champions League playoff second-leg clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Manchester City's prospects of overcoming Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League playoff have been dealt a major blow with Erling Haaland only fit enough for the bench. Haaland, who scored both goals in City's 3-2 home defeat in the first leg,

Erling Haaland sent City into the lead before Kylian Mbappe equalised on the hour mark. A converted Haaland penalty 10 minutes from time seemed to be enough for City only for Brahim Diaz to score for the visitors before Jude Bellingham netted a stoppage time winner.

There were a host of storylines to emerge from Manchester City’s 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid last night. The way that Carlo Ancelotti’s side ended City’s 24/25 Champions League campaign is a major one.