Somewhat remarkably, for the fourth season in row City have been paired with the Spanish giants in Europe’s elite event – this time in a mouth-watering two-legged round of 16 qualification play-off tie.
Friday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland saw City pitted with the Spanish giants in a clash that will bring together the last three European champions.
City will be at the Etihad in the first tie to be played on either February 11/12 before we then got to the Bernabeu for the decider on either February 18/19.
And for City legend Dickov – who represented the Club at today’s draw in Switzerland - it’s a prospect to savour.
“It’s super exciting,” the former City and Scotland striker said.
“It’s a little bit crazy too. That’s four years [in a row] now that we’re playing Real Madrid [in the Champions League] and the previous four ties have been super exciting, both at the Bernabeu and then back at the Etihad Stadium.
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“We knew before the draw it would be either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, two of the giants in Europe, so we knew it was going to be a very, very tough game.
“It’s a tie that we’re going to look forward to. Our record at the Etihad Stadium in European games is fantastic.
“We’re at home first but what a game for everybody to watch.”
Despite the huge sense of anticipation however, Dickov also stressed that with a number of key domestic matches looming large over the next few weeks, no-one at City would be distracted by the prospect of that latest Real re-match.
“You know the one thing Pep Guardiola and the team have always done in every tournament since he’s been here is to just focus on the next game and it’s [all about] the next game,” Dickov added.
“We’ve got a tough game against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
“But everybody involved at Manchester City will be looking forward to having Real Madrid at the Etihad again.”
