Real Madrid is celebrating its return to good form despite placing low in the Champions League and failing to avoid a possible playoff against Manchester City. Madrid's slow start in the European competition kept the defending champion from going straight into the round of 16 — and possibly set up an encounter with Man City in the playoffs.

The two European giants know City are struggling but will still have a sense of dread at maybe having to face Pep Guardiola’s men

Real Madrid were too good for Brest on Wednesday, but it was not enough to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Instead, the defending champions will need to play a play-off tie