Real Madrid next hurdle in Blues' path to CL final

MANCHESTER

- By ALEX JAMES

Pep Guardiola will cross swords with Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa

City will play Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.The Blues secured a straight path into the knockout stages having finished eighth in the League Phase.

That meant Pep Guardiola's men avoided the playoff round and guaranteed themselves a home second leg in next month's last-16 tie.

City knew they would face one of either Bodo/Glimt, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Benfica and that quartet was narrowed to two after this week's playoffs.