Real Madrid and Manchester City now know the cost of failing to perform in the reshaped Champions League: a titanic win-or-bust clash between the past two European champions simply to claim a place in the round of 16.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — It’s become a familiar sight in elite European soccer: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City. The Champions League's most engrossing rivalry in recent years will resume in a two-legged playoff next month to reach the round of 16.

Title holder Real Madrid learned who it will face in the Champions League playoffs after the draw was made early on Friday afternoon in Europe.

Reigning champions Real Madrid will face 2023 winners Manchester City in the plum tie of the play-off round of this season's Champions League, following Friday's draw

Real Madrid were too good for Brest on Wednesday, but it was not enough to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Instead, the defending champions will need to play a play-off tie