Manchester City, having secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages as group winners, awaits Monday’s draw for the final 16 to determine potential opponents.
The triple champions sealed their spot with a 3-2 victory over Crvena Zvezda, featuring goals from Micah Hamilton, Oscar Bobb, and Kalvin Phillips. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed satisfaction with the qualification, emphasizing that they were the first in their group to advance to February’s stage.
As the draw approaches, speculation arises about potential rivals, with PSG and Inter Milan being two noteworthy possibilities. City had previously triumphed over both teams in the previous season’s championship. Guardiola noted the significance of enjoying home advantage in the second leg, irrespective of the opponent.
The draw, scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. GMT, will unveil the matchups for the final 16, set to take place in February. FC Copenhagen, PSV Eindhoven, Napoli, Inter Milan, and RB Leipzig secured their positions as group runners-up before Wednesday’s matches. However, they cannot be paired against City since they were in the same group. FC Porto, Lazio, and PSG followed as potential opponents for City.
Each of these teams represents a unique challenge, with FC Copenhagen hailing from Group A, PSV Eindhoven from Group C, Inter Milan from Group D, Lazio from Group E, PSG from Group F, and FC Porto from Group H.
The anticipation builds as City awaits the draw that will shape their journey in the knockout stages of the prestigious competition.
Guardiola’s strategic approach and the team’s performance in the upcoming matches will be closely observed, as City aims to navigate the challenges posed by formidable opponents and progress further in their pursuit of Champions League glory.
The draw on Monday will set the stage for intense and exciting matchups that will captivate football enthusiasts worldwide.
