Man City vs Real Madrid Preview: Carlo Ancelotti says tie ‘seems like a Clasico’

Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti says it is a “nightmare” that prepares to meet a Pep Guardiola team because the Spanish has “ideas that make you think”.

Manchester City and Real will revive their modern rivalry later on Tuesday with the first stage of their Champions League playoffs at Etihad Stadium.

The two sides will meet for the fourth time in four seasons – just becomes the fourth fixture that reaches the milestone.

“It looks like it’s a Clasico because we’ve played each other many times in this competition,” Ancelotti said.

“It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the team’s attitude and trust. It is such a high level that you have to be your best for every aspect.

“They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there, so I think it’s the hardest game we can meet – regardless of form.”