Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League is the accidental blockbuster of the new knockout playoffs round that starts Tuesday. The past two title winners surprisingly finished mid-table in the new 36-team standings format that ended in January.

City made four signings in the transfer window but were only allowed to add three players to their Champions League squad.

The sides face off earlier than expected this time in the play-off round, with the first leg in Manchester on Tuesday.