Manchester City's current form raises questions about their tactical approach and player performance, particularly in the absence of Rodri.
Juventus' victory, despite their own struggles, highlights the importance of capitalizing on opportunities in high-stakes matches.
If Manchester City fails to secure a win against Paris Saint-Germain in their next match, they risk elimination from the Champions League.
Juventus may gain momentum from this victory, potentially improving their performance in upcoming matches under coach Thiago Motta.
Manchester City Faces Setback in Champions League with Loss to Juventus
Manchester City suffered a significant blow in their Champions League campaign, losing 2-0 to Juventus in Turin. This defeat marks the third consecutive loss for the Citizens in the tournament, leaving them in a precarious position at 22nd in the table. The match, held on December 11, 2024, saw City struggle to break through Juventus' defense, despite having opportunities to score. Kevin De Bruyne's pass set up Erling Haaland for a chance, but Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio made a crucial save, keeping the score level in the first half.
The turning point came in the second half when Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoring for Juventus, followed by Weston McKennie's goal, which sealed the victory for the Italian side. City's inability to capitalize on their chances and a lack of cohesion in their play raised concerns about their current form. Pep Guardiola's team has now won only one of their last ten matches, with seven losses and two draws, highlighting a worrying trend for the Premier League champions.
Guardiola acknowledged the impact of missing key midfielder Rodri, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since September. The coach emphasized Rodri's importance to the team's performance, stating, "He is a player of consistency, who defines himself in bad moments." With only two matches left in the group stage, City now faces a critical challenge to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
Other Champions League Highlights
In other Champions League action, Barcelona managed to secure a narrow 3-2 victory over Real Betis, propelling them to second place in the overall standings. Arsenal also continued their strong form, defeating Monaco 3-0, with Bukayo Saka shining with two goals and an assist. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid achieved a 3-1 win against Slovan, marking their third consecutive victory in the tournament.
Stuttgart rebounded from a heavy defeat in their previous match, winning 5-1 against Young Boys, while Lille edged past Sturm Graz 3-2 in a closely contested match. Milan also secured a 2-1 victory over Crvena Zvezda, solidifying their position in the playoffs.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, the pressure mounts for teams like Manchester City to perform and secure their spots in the knockout rounds.
