The race for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final looks set to be another fascinating battle amongst Europe's elite.The expanded format of the tournament has meant changes to how teams qualify for the knockout rounds with more games added to the league phase and the creation of Round of 16 playoffs for teams finishing outside the top eight of the league standings.

Ancelotti’s Real Madrid secured an aggregate 6-3 win against Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoff, beating the Premier League giants 3-1 at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. The Italian tactician celebrated the Merengues’ result on Thursday morning with a social media message.

Following the Champions League Round of 16 draws, Real Madrid will face La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid in the next knockout games.