Pep Guardiola attends Champions League clash as Manchester City’s last-16 draw fate looms | OneFootball

Manchester City’s fate in the UEFA Champions League last-16 is looming and their list of possible opponents has been further narrowed down this week.

After navigating a turbulent league phase, City secured a narrow top-eight finish to avoid a second consecutive season in the knockout play-off round, ensuring direct passage into the last-16.

The campaign has been one of sharp contrasts, blending eye-catching statement wins including victory at the Bernabeu, with moments of vulnerability that have left little margin for error at Europe’s top table.

That inconsistency has only heightened intrigue ahead of Friday’s knockout stage draw, with Pep Guardiola and his staff – including sporting director Hugo Viana – closely monitoring potential opponents.

Now, according to Italian newspaper Tuttomercatoweb – as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Pep Guardiola was present at the San Siro for Inter’s 1-2 defeat to Bodo/Glimt (Aggregate 2-5) to pave the way for the Norwegian side into the last-16 of the competition.

The presence of Guardiola at San Siro perhaps underlines the seriousness with which City are treating the draw, particularly after recent European setbacks. The elimination of Inter Milan marks another landmark moment for the Norwegian club, who continue to defy expectations.

Bodø/Glimt’s progression is especially noteworthy for Manchester City supporters,given the memory of their shock victory over Pep Guardiola’s side earlier in the league phase campaign in Norway.

That result exposed Manchester City to the intensity, organisation and attacking bravery that has now carried the Scandinavian club into their first-ever UEFA Champions League last-16.

As things stand, Manchester City’s pool of possible opponents has been reduced to just three, including familiar heavyweights Real Madrid and Benfica, alongside Bodø/Glimt, with each presenting a vastly different challenge.