Alvaro Arbeloa, coach of Real Madrid, confidently predicted which team his club will face in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Following Real Madrid's 2-1 home victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League playoff second leg last night, with a 3-1 aggregate win, Real Madrid advanced to the Round of 16, where they await either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon.
After the match, Alvaro Arbeloa was asked by reporters whether he preferred to face Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16.
Arbeloa replied, “We will definitely face Manchester City... just like the past seven years.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois shared Arbeloa's view, stating, “We know we will face Manchester City. It will be a dream draw.”
Real Madrid and Manchester City have met 15 times in the UEFA Champions League, with Real Madrid winning 5 matches, Manchester City winning 5, and 5 matches ending in draws.
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw ceremony will be held on Friday, 27 February, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.