The inaugural Champions League play-offs to reach the round of 16 are complete… without any huge surprises. The result was never in doubt at the Bernabeu as Real Madrid eased past Manchester City, arguably their biggest rivals in this competition in recent years,

Carlo Ancelotti said he prefers Champions League referees -- saying there's "less controversy and fewer VAR interventions" -- as Real Madrid prepare to face Manchester City in their playoff second leg in the midst of a row over LaLiga officiating.

Real Madrid booked its place in the Champions League Round of 16 with a victory over Manchester City. Los Blancos won both legs, with an aggregate score of 6-3, sending them through. Many people consider the current holders the favorites to win this season's competition,