The Champions League group-stage draw has been the subject of Nedum Onuoha’s reflections, a cult figure of Manchester City.
On Thursday evening, Manchester City learned the identities of their eight group-stage opponents during the competition’s group stage draw.
In the Champions League group stage, the Citizens are competing against the following teams: Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodo/Glimt, Galatasaray, Monaco, and Villarreal.
Pep Guardiola’s squad will visit Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, and Monaco, while they will also host Dortmund, Napoli, Leverkusen, and Galatasaray.
The Napoli match will be particularly captivating, as Kevin De Bruyne is expected to make a swift return to Manchester City.
Onuoha, during an interview with BBC Sport, revealed his prediction for City’s group stage placement and also expressed his surprise at their Champions League performance from the previous season.
Nedum Onuoha anticipates that Manchester City will secure a spot in the top eight of the Champions League group stage.
Onuoha acknowledged that he was taken aback by the impressive performance of City in the Champions League during the previous season, only to witness a series of unfavorable events.
Nevertheless, the former City defender supported the Citizens’ achievement of a top-eight finish, which would ensure their entry into the elimination stages without the necessity of negotiating a playoff.
On BBC iPlayer, Onuoha stated, “Manchester City’s performance in the Champions League last year was so uncharacteristic.”
“Initially, they secured victories in their first three games; however, they ultimately suffered a complete collapse.”
“I anticipate that the team’s goal this year will be to secure another victory. Given their draw, I would be surprised if they do not finish in the top eight.”
Man City will commence their Champions League campaign on September 16-18, which is just over two weeks away.
The second matchday is scheduled for September 30-October 1, with an additional four events scheduled for 2025.
These are scheduled for November 4-5, November 25-26, December 9-10, and October 21-22.
The final two league phase games will be played in January 2026, with each final match occurring on the same date.
The penultimate match is scheduled for January 20-21, prior to the final game on Wednesday, January 28.
The specific dates and times of each club’s fixtures will be announced on Saturday, August 30.
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