New Delhi: As we head towards the start of a new UEFA Champions league campaign, the group stage pots have been confirmed. We have some interesting pots which could lead to some big fixtures for group stage games. However, when we talk about Pep’s Manchester City, there’s little no doubt about the fact that the Sky Blues are one of the favourites to win this season’s Champions League. Their squad depth, management and the master tactics of their boss make them certain contenders to lift the title.
However, this time they are part of the first pot that also includes the likes of some of the top clubs- RB Leipzig, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund. Pep Guardiola’s team, who ended their lengthy wait for European triumph by defeating Inter Milan in Istanbul in June 2023, will be looking to enjoy further success in Europe’s significantly redesigned top club championship this season.
Manchester City players cry in the penalty shoot-out session at the end of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid CF at Etihad Stadium. (Photo by Federico Titone/Anadolu Agency) (Photo by Federico Titone/Anadolu via Getty Images)
After winning the Premier League for the fourth time in a row last season, City appeared to be a good wager to do it again. However, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals after losing to eventual winners Real Madrid in a thrilling penalty shootout after an incredible 4–4 draw on aggregate. The club’s fourteenth consecutive European season will be a little different this year because of a significant overhaul of the Champions League by UEFA, which will see the old group stage replaced with a new starting league round with 36 teams.
Pots alloted for next season
During the league stages, clubs will be divided into four pots and drawn to play two teams from each pot. Each team will play eight matches, four of which will be played at home and four away. The top eight will automatically advance to the round of16, after which 16 teams will compete in a play-off round and 12 teams will be ousted from the competition altogether.
Pot 1 includes few of the top European sides including the likes of defending champions, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and FC Barcelona.
Plot 2 includes Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Juventus, Benfica, Club Brugge, Shakhtar Donetsk and AC Milan.
Plot 3 includes Sporting CP, Celtic, PSV Eindhoven, Young Boys, RB Salzburg, Feyenoord, Dinamo Zagreb or Qarabag, Lille or Slavia Praha.
Plot 4 involves Sparta Prague, Monaco, Bologna, Girona, Stuttgart, Sturm Graz, Brest
Final plot is yet to be decided where Midtjylland or Slovan Bratislava, Bodo/Glimt or Red Star Belgrade are the teams that will be competing.
Scenario for Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester City at Parken Stadium on February 13, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The 2022/23 Champions League winners will be looking repeat their success from that campaign as they fel lshort of winning it last season after getting eliminated by Real Madrid. However, one thing that City have been consistent with over the years is their group stage performances. They have faced a few tough teams in the last few Champions League seasons, and this time, they will be looking to continue that run of form.
Two teams from each pot, including two formidable opponents from their own Pot 1, will be played by City. At this point, they may only be drawn against a maximum of two other teams from the same country and cannot be drawn against English rivals Arsenal, Liverpool, or Aston Villa. However, City will have a rather easy ties in the group stages if they get to face teams such as RB Leipzig, against whom they have been prolific over the years. Besides, City facing teams like Club Brugge, Shakhtar Donetsk, Young Boys and Dinamo Zagreb, would yet again prove to be an easy qualification
However, City might face contention early if they get to face teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Juventus. However, there are clubs like PSV, Sporting CP, Monaco, Girona and Bayer Leverkusen, who City might face in the group stages.
Champions League pots have been confirmed as we take a look at the possible clubs that Manchester City might get to face next season. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
