The draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League will take place tomorrow, Friday, in the Swiss city of Nyon. The draw will proceed without restrictions, allowing any team to face another, regardless of whether they are from the same country or were in the same group stage.
Real Madrid secured their place in the quarter-finals by overcoming German side RB Leipzig with a score of 2-1 on aggregate over both legs in the Round of 16. The most decorated club with 14 titles is now awaiting its opponent among clubs such as Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain.
### Anticipated El Clasico
The draw could potentially result in a classic encounter between rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, marking the third time they would meet in Champions League history. Previously, the two Spanish powerhouses have never faced each other in the quarter-finals, with past encounters occurring in the semi-finals.
The first meeting was in the 2001-2002 season, where Real Madrid won the first leg 2-0 away, and they drew 1-1 at Santiago Bernabéu, progressing to the final. The second meeting occurred in the 2010-2011 season, where Barcelona won at the Bernabéu 2-0 and drew in the return leg at Camp Nou 1-1, allowing Messi and his teammates to advance to the final.
### Madrid Derby
Real Madrid could face their fierce local rival Atlético Madrid, renewing the awaited revenge, especially since Atlético lost both finals in the Champions League against Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016. Historically, Real Madrid has had the upper hand over Atlético in their Champions League encounters. The only meeting between the two in the quarter-finals was during the 2014-2015 season, where the first leg ended in a goalless draw, and Real Madrid won the return leg with a goal from Mexican forward Javier Hernández.
### Mbappé Encounter
Paris Saint-Germain, led by their star French striker Kylian Mbappé, is another potential opponent for Real Madrid. Mbappé is reportedly on the verge of joining Real Madrid next summer, and his visit to the Bernabéu under these circumstances would certainly have a special significance before donning the white shirt. While Real Madrid has not faced PSG in the quarter-finals, they have played twice in the Round of 16, with Real Madrid eliminating the French capital team on both occasions.
### City’s Quadruple Prospects
Defending champions Manchester City, one of the strongest contenders to win the title this season, may also confront Real Madrid. The last meeting between City and Real Madrid was in the semi-finals of the 2022-2023 season, ending in a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Madrid. However, in the return leg, City achieved a convincing 4-0 victory, resulting in Real Madrid's exit from the tournament.
### Arsenal's Comeback
Real Madrid has faced Arsenal once in their Champions League history, specifically in the 2005-2006 season during the Round of 16. In the first leg at the Bernabéu, Arsenal won 1-0 with a goal from Thierry Henry, and the return leg ended in a goalless draw, allowing the English team to advance to the quarter-finals.
### Frequent Encounter
Bayern Munich is a familiar adversary for Real Madrid in the Champions League, having met in 20 matches. Their last encounter was in the semi-finals of the 2017-2018 season, where Real Madrid won in Germany 2-1 and drew 2-2 at the Bernabéu, enabling them to advance to the final and win the title.
### Old Friends
If Borussia Dortmund is drawn against Real Madrid, it would carry a special sentiment for English player Jude Bellingham, who faces friends from his previous club. The two teams have faced each other numerous times in the Champions League but met once in the quarter-finals during the 2013-2014 season, where Real Madrid won 3-0 at home and lost 2-0 in Germany, advancing to the semi-finals.
