Ancelotti wary of Manchester City as Bellingham backs Real Madrid for play-off challenge

Carlo Ancelotti admitted he would rather avoid facing Manchester City in the Champions League play-offs, while Jude Bellingham insisted Real Madrid are ready for any challenge after their 3-0 victory over Brest on 29 January.

The reigning champions will be drawn against either City or Celtic in Friday's draw, with the two-legged tie set for February.

"We don't like playing against City, but if we have to, we'll do it like on other occasions," Ancelotti said in his press conference. "City have more chances to win the Champions League."

Madrid missed out on direct qualification to the last 16 after a poor start to the league phase, losing three of their first five games. Thibaut Courtois acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "If we want to win this competition, we have to beat the best teams."

Rodrygo scored twice against Brest, while Bellingham added another as Madrid finished the group stage strongly. The England international admitted the team had underperformed earlier in the tournament.

"Top eight was our objective, but we didn't do well in some games. Now we have to keep improving," Bellingham told Movistar. "No problem—we'll take on whatever challenge comes next."

Madrid's slow start to the new Champions League format saw them finish 11th in the standings, just missing out on an automatic last-16 spot. However, they have now won their last five matches in all competitions since their 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on 12 January.

Against Brest, Rodrygo opened the scoring before Bellingham doubled Madrid's lead after half-time, finishing off a move started by Lucas Vázquez. The Brazilian then secured his brace in the 78th minute, scoring for the second consecutive Champions League match after Kylian Mbappé's shot was saved.

Madrid were without Vinícius Júnior through suspension, while Mbappé's scoring run of eight goals in five matches came to an end. However, Bellingham played down the importance of individual contributions.

"We don't focus too much on who scores because every game it's someone different," he said. "Rodrygo got two today, I got one, and last time it was Kylian scoring three. What's more important is that we are getting our organisation right, which was missing in some of the early group games."

Despite defeats to Lille, AC Milan, and Liverpool, Madrid navigated the group stage, and Bellingham gave his approval of the new format. "It's been nice playing more high-quality teams and having a real mix from all over Europe," he said. "It adds a bit more jeopardy."

Brest, despite the defeat, have also reached the play-offs in their first European campaign, finishing 18th in the standings—above the likes of Juventus and Manchester City. They will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica in the next round.

"We want to keep making history," goalkeeper Marco Bizot said. "If we can keep getting results, why not?"