Furious Real Madrid opposed Champions League draw decision after Man Utd error

Real Madrid have hit out at the decision to redo the Champions League last 16 draw, after an error saw the governing body void the initial selection of ties.

The Spanish club had been drawn against Benfica, but a mistake saw Manchester United drawn with Villarreal, followed by further issues as those in charge of the draw attempted to right the issue.

United faced Villarreal in their group so were not eligible to play them again at this stage of the competition, but their ball was subsequently not taken from their pot as a potential opponent for Atletico Madrid either.

United were duly drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, with Villarreal being given Manchester City following the initial error.

As United chiefs held talks with UEFA, Atletico launched a complaint after being drawn against Bayern Munich following the error, with the English-language account of the Spanish champions tweeting: "We are in talks with UEFA to ask for explanations and a solution after the mistakes made in the Champions League round of 16 draw."

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But Uefa duly announced a complete redraw would take place with the initial results voided, citing "a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other".

Real Madrid's draw had taken place before the error however, and individuals associated with the club have reportedly described the decision to void the draw as a "scandal".

According to Deportes Cuatro, the leaders of La Liga approached Uefa to claim it was "inadmissible" to redo the draw in full.

According to Goal, Madrid were "opposed at all times to the repetition of the draw", emphasising that their draw against Benfica was confirmed before any of the aforementioned errors.

The Portuguese side, who finished behind Bayern Munich in their group, knocked Madrid's rivals Barcelona out in the group stage.

The latest development comes after relations between Real Madrid and Uefa were already strained in the light of the European Super League drama.

The Spaniards, along with Barcelona and Juventus, were part of a trio of clubs who continued to advocate for a breakaway competition during the 2021-22 season.

Madrid topped their Champions League group this term, ahead of Inter Milan, after reaching the semi-finals of last season's competition.