Man City Poised to Challenge Real Madrid for AC Milan’s Theo HernandezTransfer Battle Heating Up for HernandezManchester City could be preparing to hijack Real Madrid’s pursuit of AC Milan

Real Madrid learned its opponents for the Champions League playoff round earlier, knowing it would be Manchester City or Celtic. Los Blancos were drawn against the 2023 competition winners and Premier League Champion Manchester City.

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.

As per details provided by the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Manchester City will only be able to register three new signings for their squad for the second stage of the UEFA Champions League, with submitted by Thursday 6 February.

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.

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.

Real Madrid are gearing up for tough times ahead as the club have been dealt with yet another injury of a key player.This time around, it is Antonio Rudiger who has picked up a fresh hamstring knock