Fans collectively claim the Champions League draw results were 'rigged'.

The Champions League Round of 16 draw continues to spark intense controversy on social media as Manchester City once again faces Real Madrid, a scenario repeated too frequently in recent years.

After defeating Benfica in the play-off round, Real Madrid officially secured their spot in the Round of 16, and immediately the draw paired them with Manchester City again. This marks the sixth time since the 2019/20 season that these two giants have clashed in Europe's most prestigious competition. Notably, their upcoming encounter also signifies the fifth consecutive season they have met in the Champions League.

Moreover, the bracket for these two teams is predicted to be extremely challenging. The winner of this tie is likely to face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. If they advance further, opponents such as Liverpool, Chelsea, PSG, or Galatasaray await in the semi-finals. Therefore, the path to the final is considered truly "deadly".

In contrast, Arsenal's journey is viewed as more favorable, at least theoretically. Mikel Arteta's side will face Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16, with a potential subsequent match against Sporting or Bodo/Glimt - the Norwegian team that eliminated Inter Milan in the play-offs. Arsenal previously defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-0 and 1-0 in the 2022 Europa League.

The Gunners' biggest challenge may only arise in the semi-finals, where they could potentially face Barcelona, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, or even Tottenham in a fierce North London derby.

The apparent disparity between the two halves of the draw has led many fans to question the transparency of the draw process. On social media, numerous comments suggest this outcome was "pre-arranged".

One fan wrote: "It's fixed, happens every year."

Another expressed frustration: "How could this not be arranged?"

There was even a humorous opinion stating: "Arsenal is actually behind this result."

Although these are emotional reactions, the repeated clashes between Manchester City and Real Madrid have undeniably created a sense of familiarity that feels almost unbelievable to European football fans.