Gianluigi Buffon has claimed it is 'always a pleasure' to play Real Madrid ahead of the Champions League last-16 draw on Monday.

Juventus finished top of their group, finishing above Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid are possible opponents after they came second to Paris Saint-Germain.

The two clubs have played out some thrillers in the Champions League in recent years, including the 2016-17 final in Cardiff where the Spaniards ran out winners.

Gianluigi Buffon says it is 'always a pleasure' to play Real Madrid before the last-16 draw

Buffon's last appearance against the Spanish giants saw him get sent off in the quarter-finals in 2017-18 after the awarding of a controversial penalty in stoppage time that Cristiano Ronaldo scored to send Real through.

Speaking about the prospect of playing Real in the new year, however, Buffon told Tuttosport: 'It's always a pleasure meeting Real Madrid.

'The respect I have for their history and their players is huge.

'Despite how it ended last time in Madrid, I look back at that game with a positive mindset. It was an example of determination and strength.

'So, in that case, two fantastic teams would meet again.'

Buffon's last appearance against Real saw him get sent off in the quarter-finals in 2017-18