The trophy case inside Etihad Stadium is overflowing with baubles. In the past decade, Manchester City have won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cups – including the last three in a row – and a trio of FA Community Shields.
There is a significant absence on that impressive list of accomplishments and it’s one that gnaws away at both the club and the supporters of the Cityzens. Manchester City has never won the UEFA Champions League. In fact, the club really hasn’t ever come close to doing so.
There’s a sense, though, that this could be their year. Through the final eight of the competition, Manchester City have drawn German club Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. City are the +200 favorites in Champions League betting to cop the Cup in 2021, ahead of holders Bayern Munich (+350).
City beat another German squad, Borussia Monchengladbach, in the Round of 16, winning each leg 2-0 for a decisive 4-0 aggregate verdict.
“Manchester City” by Visionhaus is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Eight Is Enough
This is where the Champions League run has come to an end for Manchester City in each of the past three tournaments. They’ve exited the competition at the quarterfinal stage three straight seasons.
Last year, it was French side Lyon that sent City packing by a 3-1 count. In 2018-19, City were victimized by fellow Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. Though the aggregate score was 4-4 and City won the second leg 4-3, Tottenham carried the day based on the away goals rule. As for 2017-18, it was Liverpool, another EPL club, that sent Manchester City home, smacking them by a decisive 5-1 aggregate count.
The closest call for Manchester City came in 2015-16. The club got to the Champions League semifinals for the first time, facing Spanish giants Real Madrid. There was a solitary goal scored in the two legs, but it was the Spanish club that netted it. Perhaps there was solace for City in knowing that Real Madrid went on to lift the trophy. Probably not.
The Quadruple Is Still On
Not only could this finally be the year that Manchester City lifts the Champions League trophy, it might be done in unprecedented fashion. The club is still in with a chance to turn a quadruple of titles this season.
Fourteen points clear atop the table, Manchester City is a lock to win their fifth EPL title since 2011-12. They are so far in front that betting sites are no longer offering odds on City winning the title.
City are the -120 favorites to win their third FA Cup since 2010-11. They will face Chelsea in the semifinals on Saturday, April 17th. City and Spurs are set to clash Sunday, April 25th in the final as City seeks its fourth consecutive Carabao Cup final victory. Manchester City are a solid -163 pick to do so.
“What we have done is more than remarkable,” Mancehster City manager Pep Guardiola told ManCity.com. “It’s incredible. One of the greatest achievements we have done together.
“n this winter time, playing every three days, with incredible commitment in every competition, I don’t have any words to express that.”
Depth An Ally
City’s depth of quality players is what’s making it possible for the club to get so deep in so many competitions.
“We have 20 players now, everybody is fit, that’s why we can rotate six or seven players in most of the games,”Guardiola told BT Sport.
“If you want to compete in four competitions, you have to rotate and everybody be in both and be fresh. Not just physically, but mentally.
“The seasons are so long, the guys don’t make recovery in the summer. They go to the European Championships and after three weeks, they’re starting their season. We didn’t have one long week since September or October and that’s why everybody is in both.
“Everybody is generous and in a good mood for the team and the club, they are always welcome and will get their minutes.”
“Manchester City celebrating” by Getty is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Don’t Look Ahead
The one warning Guardiola issued to his players was that they should not focus on their chance to end their long run of disappointment in the Champions League. There is much else on their plate that City seeks to accomplish this season.
“Everybody is fit,” Guardiola told SkySports. “But everything can change in one day. I don’t know what is going to happen.
“It is important to win, no matter what, no matter when. We are close. We have games to play. Sometimes when you win a title early, it is not good for the knockout competitions because when you have to fight for one it helps you fight for the other ones.
“That is why we just have to focus on the next game. Don’t focus on the quarter-finals; this is the best way and after we will see what happens.”