Manchester City will do battle with Real Madrid in the new UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoffs. Following disappointing league phase campaigns, the current holders and the 2023 champions will battle for the fourth successive season,

City made four signings in the transfer window but were only allowed to add three players to their Champions League squad.

Manchester City showed faith in Rodri potentially returning to action this season by registering the injured Ballon d’Or winner on Friday in its Champions League squad for the knockout phase. With a limit of three new signings in the midseason transfer window allowed,