:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68729559/uyl1.0.jpg)
Real Madrid will begin the defense of their UEFA Youth League crown away to Manchester United.
Generally the competition would have begun with a group stage in September, however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UEFA decided to adapt the tournament to a straight knockout tournament. Thanks to the senior side qualifying for the Champions League, Real Madrid were drawn from a pot of the 31 other sides that have qualified for the Champions League.
United have a pretty average record in the Youth League with their best finishes being two round of 16 exits in 2018 and 2019. They failed to qualify for last season's tournament and would have certainly preferred an easier draw than the defending champions in their first game. United don’t appear to have a formal Under-19s and likely select players from their Under 23 and Under 18 team (provided they comply with the age restrictions). It means Real might reunited with Alvaro Fernandez, who joined the Red Devils last summer.
Real Madrid’ Under-19s have been in fine form under new manager Jorge Romero, currently unbeaten and top of the table.