A new look, Bernardo Silva… Everything you need to know about Manchester City | OneFootball

Before the kick-off of the second matchday of the Champions League for the Rouge et Blanc this Wednesday evening against Manchester City at the Stade Louis-II (9 p.m.), we focus on a European giant looking to regain its status.

AS Monaco has returned to the most prestigious of continental competitions. And for this second day of the Champions League phase, the men of’Adi Hütter will cross paths with an old acquaintance: Manchester City. But before we get into it in the Principality with the club from the northwest of England (kick-off 9 p.m.), here is what you need to know about this tough opponent. 🔎

A rich and recent history of winning trophies 🏆

Founded in 1880, Manchester City long lived in the shadow of its neighbor United, before experiencing a meteoric rise since the end of the 2000s. Crowned English champions 10 times, including six times in the last eight seasons, the Mancunian club has imposed its dominance on the Premier League thanks to the work of Pep Guardiola. Also winners of the FA Cup 7 times (and 8 League Cups), City wrote one of the most beautiful pages of its history in 2023 by achieving a historic treble: league, cup and Champions League, winning for the first time against Inter Milan in Istanbul (1-0).

A new-look Citizens 🗓️

After a disappointing last season, marked by a third-place finish in the league and elimination in the Champions League playoffs, the Sky Blues were forced to reinvent themselves. Long the absolute masters of possession, they are now capable of giving up possession and relying on quick transitions. As was the case against Arsenal on Matchday 5 of the Premier League, where they only had possession 32.8% of the time. This is unprecedented for Pep Guardiola in his 17-year career.

Untouchable… except against the French 🇫🇷

The Catalan coach has lost only two of his 33 matches played in the first two rounds of a Champions League group stage (26 wins, 5 draws), as our provider Opta points out. It’s worth noting that both of these defeats came against French clubs (Olympique Lyonnais in 2018-2019 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2021-2022). This should give our Rouge et Blanc hope.

A memorable precedent ⚔️

In any case, this will be a great reunion with AS Monaco, whom they faced in the round of 16 of the 2016-2017 Champions League. This double-legged tir remains etched in the memory of Monaco fans, whether it be the Rouge et Blanc’s defeat in the first leg at the Etihad (5-3), or more logically, the comeback of Leonardo Jardim’s men in the return at the Stade Louis-II (3-1)! It was a historic victory and qualification (thanks to the away goals rule, editor’s note), the Principality club being one of only two teams, along with Real Madrid (in 2024-2025), to have eliminated a club managed by Pep Guardiola before the quarterfinals of the competition.

Some big names in common 🎞️

This match will also mark a reunion with a well-known player at the foot of the Rock: Bernardo Silva. Having broken through at AS Monaco, the Portuguese playmaker has since confirmed his talent at Manchester City, where he has become a club legend, playing in the historic treble in 2023, among other things. Before him, great players such as George Weah, Yaya Touré, and Maicon had played in the Principality before ending up with the Citizens.

Players to watch 🔎

Oscar Bobb 🇳🇴

A Norwegian revelation after coming through City’s youth academy, Oscar Bobb is gradually establishing himself as one of the club’s most promising young talents. A technical winger, capable of playing between the lines, he brings freshness and unpredictability to the Citizens’ attacking play. Already decisive in the Premier League this season (1 assist), he perfectly embodies Pep Guardiola’s desire to integrate youth into his squad.

Nico O’Reilly 👀

20-year-old English midfielder Nico O’Reilly is a pure product of the youth academy, where he has been developing since he was 8 years old. Ultra-decisive with the U18s during the 2022-2023 season (13 goals and 14 assists in 32 matches), the Catalan coach has gradually integrated him into the first team, sometimes playing him in unusual positions, such as this weekend against Burnley, where he played as a… left back. His on-pitch intelligence and ability to alternate between attacking and defensive duties make him a true Swiss Army knife.

Jérémy Doku ⚡️

The electric Belgian winger is back in the Sky Blues’ starting XI. Capable of striking down the wings and creating danger in space, he symbolizes the Sky Blues’ offensive revival. After scoring a magnificent goal against Napoli and providing three assists in the first six Premier League matches, Jérémy Doku seems to have reached a new level and is undoubtedly one of the Citizens to watch!