Butragueño: “It’s odd that every season we’re playing against Manchester City”

Madrid, Spain – Moments after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw paired Real Madrid with Manchester City for the fifth consecutive season, club legend and official spokesman Emilio Butragueño admitted the recurrence feels almost surreal.

“It’s odd that every season we’re playing against them,” Butragueño told Movistar+. “I think it’s already five seasons in a row playing against Manchester City. We know each other really well.”

The former striker highlighted the depth of Pep Guardiola’s squad, noting that City’s roster offers the manager “a lot of options” and presents a formidable challenge over 180 minutes. With the first leg scheduled for the Santiago Bernabéu, Butragueño acknowledged the shift in dynamic: Real Madrid will not have the benefit of chasing a deficit in front of their home crowd.

“That forces us to achieve a good result, which allows us to defend it in Manchester,” he said.

Despite the familiarity, Butragueño anticipates another open, attacking affair. “Whenever we play with them they are offensive football matches, of two teams that want to send in the game, usually with quite a few goals. It is one of the best games you can find in world football.”

Injuries within Carlo Ancelotti’s squad add another layer of complexity. “We have injured players who are very important to us,” Butragueño confirmed. “We are confident that they are in good condition for the tie, because we will need everyone, given the opponent’s quality.”

Still, optimism prevails inside the club. “We live it with excitement. This competition means a lot to us and we clearly trust in the ability of our players and that they will respond to the demand.”

Real Madrid and Manchester City will meet in late February, with the return leg in Manchester slated for mid-March.