Thibaut Courtois has hinted that a Champions League last-16 showdown between Real Madrid and Manchester City is inevitable.
Speaking after Madrid’s 3-1 aggregate play-off victory over Benfica on Wednesday night, the Belgian goalkeeper addressed the prospect of his side facing Man City once again.
“We all know it will be Man City on Friday at the draw – everyone knows that,” Courtois said.
If his prediction is correct, it would be the fifth consecutive season that the two clubs have faced off in the knockout stages.
They would also be meeting for the second time this campaign, following a 2-1 win for Pep Guardiola’s men during the league phase.
While Courtois appears confident about Madrid’s next Champions League opponents, they could also be drawn against Sporting CP.
Currently sitting second in the Premier League and La Liga respectively, City and Madrid are both chasing domestic and European honours, with two league fixtures apiece before their return to continental action.
Friday’s draw in Nyon will map out the potential route to Champions League glory for every remaining team as the competition reaches its tipping point.
The last-16 first legs will be played on March 10-11, with the return legs taking place one week later on March 17-18.
