The new league format has led to different destinies for Real Madrid on the one hand, and Atletico and Barcelona on the other
While the last two qualified among the eight direct to the round of 16, the white team, the current champion,will have to play the previous round to determine if it will be among the best sixteenteams in Europe
Ancelotti’s side went into the final matchday with little mathematical chance of being in the top eight and, despite beating Brest, they will have to play the preliminary round
Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the Champions League preliminary round. We are, therefore, facing a new modern classic of the Champions League between two teams that have starred in some of the most epic ties in recent years
When will Real Madrid play the Champions League play-off round?
Real Madrid will have to play the preliminary round on February 11 or 12 for the first leg and February 18 or 19 for the second leg, which will be played at the Bernabeu thanks to their position in the group stage. Both matches will be played at 21:00 CET
Real Madrid’s possible rivals in the round of 16
If Real Madrid manage to reach the round of 16, they would have to face Atletico or Leverkusen
The round of 16 will be drawn on February 21, the final round of this new edition, which features a new Champions League format