Despite their longstanding dominance, both teams have had their struggles in the competition's new format, which expanded to 36 teams this season.

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and now, with the draw complete, the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table,

Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday.