Man City’s nightmare route to Champions League final


Manchester City will discover their path to the Champions League final this morning.

Manchester City avoided the Champions League play-offs after a dramatic final matchday in the League Phase. The Blues beat Galatasaray comfortably but still needed other results to go their way. Thankfully, Benfica’s victory over Real Madrid ensured no further matches were added to their schedule.

Today will see the round of 16 draw made and Pep Guardiola’s side will discover their route to the Champions League final. With tough matches guaranteed between now and the final in May, no path will be easy.

However, MEN Sport has picked out the worst-case scenario for City as they look to be crowned European champions.

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Round of 16 – Real Madrid

Real Madrid are perhaps not the force they were under Carlo Ancelotti. Xabi Alonso’s tenure was unsuccessful but Alvaro Arbeloa has steadied the ship.

Travelling to Madrid again in the Champions League would be a daunting prospect. But City know what it takes to win there and would be confident of beating Real at home in the second leg. Alternatively, Bodo/Glimt could await the Blues and a return to the Arctic Circle would not be ideal.

Given their Champions League history, Real would prove to be a tougher draw.

Quarter-final – Bayern Munich

Should City progress, they would face either Atalanta, Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the last eight. In terms of difficulty, Arsenal and Bayern are much the same threat but considering the travel involved, the German leaders would perhaps be a tougher prospect.

Vincent Kompany has built a strong team in Bavaria with Harry Kane leading the line. City are unbeaten in their last three against Bayern which would give the Blues some confidence.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Erling Haaland of Manchester City gestures during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

Arsenal have shown Bayern are beatable this season but travelling to the Allianz Arena would be as tough as it gets in the quarter-finals.

Semi-final – PSG

If City reach the semi-finals, the draw opens up slightly with Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea all possible opponents. But PSG would prove to be a trickier test.

The Champions League holders underwhelmed in the League Phase and squeezed past AS Monaco in the play-offs to reach the knockouts. But, Luis Enrique’s side still have many of the quality players who were crowned champions last season.

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While it may be a nightmare for City, Gianluigi Donnarumma would cherish a shot at his old club. The Italian has been superb since joining the Blues and he would no doubt relish the chance to prove a point against the French giants.

Final – Barcelona

Facing his boyhood club in the Champions League final would be a surreal experience for Guardiola.

Hansi Flick has made Barcelona a threat on the European stage once again. Lamine Yamal is the obvious dangerman but Raphinha, Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski would all pose a threat.

City have only beaten Barcelona once and that was in Guardiola’s only match against them since moving to Manchester. If the Blues were handed this path to the final and were crowned champions, they would be worthy winners.

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