The new seeded, tennis-like bracket for the knockout stage now used in the expanded competition format means Madrid and Man City know their next opponent will be Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen, the fifth- and sixth-placed teams in the final standings in January.

Real Madrid are gearing up for a crucial match that could shape their season. The Spanish team will face Manchester City in the second leg, battling for a spot in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final stage.

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.