Manchester City’s Champions League campaign is teetering on the edge of disaster after a 2-0 loss to Juventus in Turin left them sitting 22nd in the 36-team league table.
With only two games remaining in the revamped group phase, the defending Premier League champions are just one point above the elimination zone.
City’s situation is even more precarious given their next fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on January 22. PSG, who secured a 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg to stay in contention, sit just below City in 23rd place.
The loser of that encounter could face the prospect of an early exit from European competition, adding enormous pressure to the high-stakes clash in Paris.
The new Champions League format requires teams to finish in the top 24 to progress, with the top eight earning direct qualification to the last 16. The remaining spots will go to the winners of a knockout play-off round involving teams ranked ninth to 24th.
City’s struggles have been a surprise for many, especially after lifting the trophy in 2023. Their inability to convert key opportunities and defensive lapses have left Pep Guardiola’s side in an unfamiliar position of vulnerability.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been flawless, winning all six of their matches to top the table. Arsenal, Barcelona, and Aston Villa are also thriving, comfortably placed in the top eight.
For City, their Champions League hopes now hinge on two crucial games, starting with the showdown against PSG, which could define their European season.
