Manchester City are set to host Brugge at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday in their final UEFA Champions League group game. As the defending champions from 2023, City face a must-win scenario to advance to the round of 16; a loss or draw would end their campaign.
Despite their status, City have won only two of their past seven group matches, placing them 25th in the 36-team table with eight points. In the new Champions League format, the top eight teams automatically qualify for the round of 16, while those ranked ninth to 24th compete in playoffs for the remaining spots.
Brugge sit five places above City with 11 points and aim to secure their place in the last 16 with a win on the road. However, history favors City; the Belgian club has never defeated them in the Champions League. Their last visit to the Etihad Stadium in 2021 resulted in a 4-1 victory for the hosts.
The good news for City is their recent upturn in form. After a troubling period from October to December 2024, during which they lost 13 games across all competitions, they have remained unbeaten in their past seven Premier League games. This resurgence has propelled them back into the top four of the league. Moreover, City have not lost any of their 34 home games in the Champions League since 2018.
Manager Pep Guardiola remains optimistic about his team's chances. \"Well, the situation that we have, we have no other option—to win the game,\" Guardiola stated. \"And if not, we will not continue in this competition. We want to go through to have another chance to play another two games to qualify for the next stage. It's not a problem; it's an opportunity, a challenge, and we will face it.\"
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Guardiola has faith in Manchester City in must-win clash with Brugge
cgtn.com
