As the group stage phase of the UEFA Champions League concludes, Real Madrid and Barcelona have set their sights on the final, which will take place on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in

Barcelona handled business in the Champions League league phase and secured a bye to the round of 16, with their four potential opponents already revealed. Avoiding the two-legged playoff is a huge plus for Hansi Flick's side.

There is going to be a blockbuster Champions League knockout playoff round tie between Manchester City and Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Here's why.

Manchester City face an intriguing Champions League last 16 play-off tie against either title holders Real Madrid or five-time winners Bayern Munich. That is already known because all 24 teams that have advanced from the league phase are placed in a tennis-like bracket for the first time - showing a team's potential path towards the May 31 final in Munich.