Thibaut Courtois has faced Manchester City more times with Real Madrid than with Chelsea

Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The matchup represents the fifth knockout-stage meeting between the clubs in recent seasons. It will also mark their 10th and 11th encounters in the competition since 2020.

The recurring draw has cemented the fixture as one of the defining rivalries of the modern Champions League era. Their previous meetings have frequently come at pivotal stages and have helped shape the outcome of the tournament.

Journalist says frustration growing inside Real Madrid

Damian Casol, a Spanish journalist, indicated there is mounting frustration within Real Madrid after once again being paired with Manchester City.

The report suggests there is a perception inside the club that the matchup has become an annual occurrence.

“At Real Madrid, there is a sense of frustration following the UEFA Champions League draw. Within the club, there’s a feeling that they keep being paired with Manchester City year after year.

“In fact, Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger have now faced City more times as Madrid players than they ever did during their spell at Chelsea.”

The numbers somewhat support that claim. Thibaut Courtois faced Manchester City seven times during his Chelsea tenure from 2014 to 2018, but has already met them nine times with Real Madrid, with two additional fixtures now on the schedule.

Courtois and Rudiger preparing for another chapter

Antonio Rüdiger encountered Manchester City nine times as a Chelsea player before his move to Spain in 2022.

Since joining Real Madrid, he has faced them six times, and the upcoming ties will raise that total to eight in Madrid colours.

The Round of 16 showdown adds another instalment to a rivalry that has defined European competition in recent years.

For several Madrid players, repeated battles with City have become a consistent feature of their Champions League journey.

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