The Champions League is the most prestigious competition in club football in Europe. Ever since Manchester City was taken over by City Football Ground Limited in 2008, the number one aim has been to win the Champions League trophy.
City has consistently reached the latter stages of the competition but has yet to be victorious. Their bid this season was ended by Real Madrid, who beat the English champions in the semi-final, following a dramatic tie which saw the Spanish club progress after extra-time.
Pep Guardiola’s side went into the second leg against Real Madrid with a one-goal advantage. When they took the lead at the Bernabeu with 17 minutes to go, they looked to be cruising into the final. Two late goals from Rodrygo forced the extra 30 minutes, before Karim Benzema sealed the tie from the penalty spot.
City fans now must watch on in the final without their side playing in Paris. Domestic rivals Liverpool are the 4/9 favourites in the Champions League odds to beat the Spanish side, who have also been responsible for the elimination of Chelsea and PSG.
Narrow Margins Have Often Cost City
As is the nature of knockout football, it is often the case that a tie can be determined by the narrowest of margins. City has frequently had some bad luck go their way over the last few years in the competition.
In 2021, they were beaten in the final by Chelsea 1-0. They dominated possession in the game, but just could not get past Edouard Mendy in the opposition’s goal. City had finished 19 points clear of the London club in the Premier League that season but had to settle for the runner-up spot in Europe.
Two years earlier in 2019, Guardiola’s side went out on away goals to Tottenham. They thought they had won it late on in the second leg; however, their goal was disallowed after VAR ruled it was offside.
City will spend all summer reflecting on their latest disappointment. They are likely to bring in reinforcements once the transfer window reopens, with Erling Haaland being linked with a move to the club. Guardiola will be hoping the incoming players can make a difference next summer.
Premier League Title Now the Focus
The exit from the Champions League means City can now put all their focus into defending their Premier League title. They are involved in a close tussle with Liverpool for the league championship this season.
Both sides have been in excellent form in the final third of the season. City has only once been able to defend the Premier League title, so it will be a big achievement for them if they are crowned champions of England for the second year running.
Victory this year would also be their fourth win in five years. That kind of stretch of wins has only been matched by Manchester United in the 90s and 00s.
Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a manager. His two successes came with Barcelona. He will be desperate to win it for a third time before he leaves Manchester City.
