Real Madrid confirmed a huge injury blow which will severly affect head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for this month’s Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Manchester City have been drawn to face holders Real Madrid in the play-off round for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. City and Real Madrid have faced each other in each of the past three seasons, with City losing on penalties in the quarter-finals to the eventual winners in 2023-24.

Defending champions Real Madrid will renew their Champions League rivalry with 2023 winners Manchester City in a blockbuster knockout phase playoff tie after the two teams were pitted against each other in the draw held in Nyon on Friday.