Manchester City has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the Champions League over the past decade, with ambitions to lift the prestigious trophy for a second time in the 2024/25 season.
Pep Guardiola finally realized his dream of reclaiming the Champions League title when he led City to their first victory in 2023. The Blues triumphed over Inter Milan with a narrow 1-0 win in a hard-fought final in Istanbul, not only securing European glory but also completing a historic treble.
Last season, City fell short in their quest to defend the trophy, losing to their old rivals Real Madrid, but they have quickly regrouped to tackle the new format with renewed determination.
Interestingly, while City aims to bring the Champions League back to the Etihad Stadium, fans might notice a peculiar detail during European matches: the stadium will be referred to as the “City of Manchester Stadium.” Here’s why that’s the case.
Why Is the Etihad Stadium Renamed During Champions League Matches?
During Champions League games, the Etihad Stadium temporarily reverts to its original name, the “City of Manchester Stadium.” This name change, though possibly confusing for some fans, is due to strict UEFA regulations regarding stadium sponsorships. If a stadium’s name features a commercial entity, it must adopt an alternative name for European fixtures.
Thus, the Etihad takes on the City of Manchester Stadium moniker during these matches, while Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium becomes simply the Arsenal Stadium. The Etihad was originally named the City of Manchester Stadium before construction began, and it was commonly known as Eastlands prior to its official renaming in July 2011.
UEFA does permit stadiums to be referred to by their official names on Champions League-related materials—such as match tickets—to avoid confusion for attending fans and distinguish the venue from others. However, there are restrictions on using commercial typefaces and colors during this period.
What’s Next for City in the 2024/25 Champions League?
For the 2024/25 season, Manchester City will play four home games in the opening stage of the revamped Champions League format, which marks an increase from the previous three games in the group stage. This season, all 36 teams—up from 32—will compete in a single league table, playing eight fixtures in the opening phase.
Each of City’s matches will be against unique opponents, meaning they won’t face any teams that visit the Etihad Stadium. The campaign began with a goalless draw at home against Inter Milan, and City has three more home fixtures lined up, including the upcoming match against Sparta Prague.
Here’s a look at City’s home games in the Champions League this season:
- Man City vs Inter – September 18, 2024
- Man City vs Sparta Prague – October 22, 2024
- Man City vs Feyenoord – November 26, 2024
- Man City vs Club Brugge – January 29, 2025
Another notable change is that the first phase of the tournament will now extend until January instead of December, giving City even more time to strategize before the knockout stages begin.
