Champions League: Decoding Manchester City's run this season
Manchester City have advanced to the quarters of the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 season after sealing a 5-0 aggregate win over Sporting in the round of 16. After hammering Sporting 5-0 in the first leg, City played out a goalless draw at home. City have now through to a fifth straight Champions League quarter-final. Here we decode their run this season.
City beat Sporting 5-0 on aggregate
City's massive 5-0 win in last month's first leg in Lisbon had virtually settled this tie. Sporting remained packed in their defensive structure and were wary to not allow the hosts to dominate the scoreline again. City enjoyed possession but failed to create the chances to put the ball into the net. Guardiola said he is enjoying the moment as City have advanced.
Why does this story matter?
City have been doing well this season, sitting top of the Premier League standings. By reaching the quarters, City have given themselves a solid chance to go the distance. They had reached the final last season before being beaten by Chelsea. City are a tough opponent to crack and the balance across departments is something Guardiola has built so well.
Man City topped their group
City won four and lost two games in the group stage. They collected 12 points and finished above second-placed Paris Saint-Germain. Notably, City scored a total of 18 goals and went on to concede 10. They scored the third-highest number of goals in the group stage this season with Bayern Munich and Ajax scoring more. They conceded the most goals among all the toppers.
City's results in the 2021-22 season
Matchday 1: Man City 6-3 RB Leipzig Matchday 2: PSG 2-0 Man City Matchday 3: Club Brugge 1-5 Man City Matchday 4: Man City 4-1 Club Brugge Matchday 5: Man City 2-1 PSG Matchday 6: RB Leipzig 2-1 Man City Round of 16 first leg: Sporting CP 0-5 Man City Round of 16 second leg: Man City 0-0 Sporting CP
Key performers for Man City
Riyad Mahrez has been the top scorer for City in the UCL 2021-22 season. Mahrez has netted six goals, besides managing one assist from eight games. Raheem Sterling has scored three goals, besides providing two assists. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus has three goals and an assist.
City have scored the second-highest number of goals
After netting 18 goals in the group stage, the Premier League champions managed another five in the round of 16. They have scored 23 goals from eight matches so far. This is the second-best return this season with Bayern Munich leading the line (30 goals).
