Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have always failed to advance past the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League (UCL). Or a failed experiment: Guardiola dropped then-captain Fernandinho and Rodri from the base of his midfield in the UCL final against Chelsea in 2021, which was a big reason why they lost 1-0. The 14-time UCL champions scored three goals against Real Madrid last year, two in injury time and one in extra time, to extend Guardiola’s agonizing wait for a UCL title since leaving Barcelona. With City facing Inter Milan in Saturday’s Istanbul final, Guardiola has a golden opportunity to end his UCL drought. Because Manchester City are extremely difficult to break down once they return to their shape.

Source: Hindustan Times June 10, 2023 13:43 UTC