Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said his team doesn't like to play Manchester City after it set up a potential Champions League date with the Premier League giant

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that he would prefer to face Celtic over Manchester City in the Champions League playoffs.

Carlo Ancelotti said he does "not like" playing Manchester City after his Real Madrid side learned their UEFA Champions League play-off opponents.

The reigning champions will be drawn against either City or Celtic in Friday’s draw, with the two-legged tie set for February.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes the Champions League holder will avoid being drawn to play Manchester City in the knockout-round play-offs.

Real Madrid is celebrating its return to good form despite placing low in the Champions League and failing to avoid a possible playoff against Manchester City.

The Champions League holders will face either Celtic or 2023 winners City in the two-legged play-off in February. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Real Madrid hope to avoid Manchester City in the next round, manager Carlo Ancelotti said after they beat Brest 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League playoff where they will be seeded.

Manuel Akanji is convinced Manchester City can rediscover their best levels to go far in the Champions League and has warned Real Madrid and Bayern Munich they can “beat every team in Europe”. City advanced to the playoff round with Wednesday’s 3-1 home win over Club Brugge and will face Real or Bayern,