David Silva has admitted that he hopes Manchester City can avoid the Spanish clubs when the draw for the round of 16 in the Champions League takes place next week.
The Premier League champions will find out who they will face in the knockout stage on Monday, with La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, reigning European champions Real Madrid and Barcelona, who knocked them out of Europe last season, all possibilities.
The midfielder told Marca: "Who would I prefer to play? None of them. I'd prefer one of the other teams.
"It would be better to leave going up against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico for as long as possible. It will be difficult, as any of the possible opponents will be tough. We have to be 100% and, as always, for luck to be on our side.
"Atletico are also a very tricky prospect. And they say that Barcelona are going through a period of transition, but I don't see that. They have a great team and always go a long way."
City finished second in their group behind 2013 Champions League winners Bayern Munich.
Sian Cowper
