Manchester City must pick up points in their final three Champions League group games to secure their spot in the knockout stages and avoid the play-offs.
DETAILS:
Manchester City’s Champions League campaign has hit a rough patch. Despite making the knockouts for 11 consecutive seasons, this year’s revamped format and disappointing results have left them in a precarious position.
Currently sitting on eight points from five games, Pep Guardiola’s side needs at least two more points from their remaining fixtures to virtually guarantee a spot in the top 24. Here’s what lies ahead:
- Next Opponent: Juventus (19th in the table).
- Upcoming Matches: PSG (25th) and Club Brugge (22nd).
While City won’t face any teams directly above them, they can’t gain ground on rivals closer to the top eight. A strong finish is crucial to improve their seeding:
- Teams ranked 9th to 16th get home advantage in the second leg of the play-offs.
- Teams ranked 17th to 24th face tougher seeded opponents in the knockouts.
If City struggle in Turin or Paris, the final home game against Club Brugge could be their safety net. A win there would likely be enough to keep their Champions League dream alive.
However, a victory against Juventus could reignite hopes of finishing in the top eight, avoiding the play-off round altogether.
QUOTES:
“Two points from their final three fixtures will give them a 99 per cent chance of qualifying,” experts noted, stressing the minimal requirements for survival.
“Where you finish in the table matters,” an analyst added, highlighting the importance of a higher seeding.
CITATIONS:
This report is based on City’s current Champions League standings and competition structure.
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KEEP IN MIND:
Must-Win Situation: The game against Juventus is critical to keeping their fate in their own hands.
Seeding Concerns: Finishing higher ensures an easier path in the knockouts.
Final Push: The home game against Club Brugge could be their ultimate lifeline if results don’t go their way.
City’s Champions League hopes aren’t over, but they’ll need composure, points, and a touch of luck to avoid a gruelling path to defend their European crown.
