Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are once again among the top contenders to dethrone Real Madrid and claim the Champions League title in the 2024/2025 season. After finally securing their first-ever European crown in June last year, City now have their sights set on repeating that success, with the final set to be held at Wembley Stadium.
However, pundit Jamie Carragher has raised concerns about City’s chances due to the absence of midfield maestro Rodri, who has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. Despite this setback, Guardiola’s squad may find extra motivation to prove they can dominate Europe even without one of their key players.
There’s also speculation about Guardiola’s future, as his contract with City expires in 2025. If this season happens to be his last in charge, winning another Champions League title would be the perfect way for him to sign off. Yet, regardless of his long-term plans, Guardiola’s primary focus remains on bringing home another European trophy.
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti further solidified his status as the most successful manager in Champions League history by securing his fifth title earlier this year. In contrast, Guardiola has three Champions League wins under his belt—two with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, and one with Manchester City in 2023.
During a recent appearance on the Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa, Guardiola admitted that Barcelona is the one team he would rather avoid in the competition due to his deep emotional connection with his former club. “Probably Barcelona,” he said, when asked who he’d prefer not to face. “The affection I have for them really destroys me.”
In another interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola acknowledged feeling “weaker” when facing managers he considers friends, including Mikel Arteta, Julen Lopetegui, Roberto De Zerbi, and Enzo Maresca. These personal connections seem to bring out a more emotional side of the typically focused coach.
Martin Keown recently named Guardiola as the greatest manager of all time, highlighting his ability to handle all the emotional ups and downs that come with such a long and storied career.
If Manchester City were to face Barcelona this season, it would mark the first Champions League meeting between the two sides since the 2016/2017 campaign. Historically, City have struggled against Barcelona, with their head-to-head record making for grim reading:
Manchester City vs Barcelona Champions League results:
- 2013/2014: Barcelona 2-0 Man City (Barcelona win)
- 2013/2014: Barcelona 2-1 Man City (Barcelona win)
- 2014/2015: Barcelona 2-1 Man City (Barcelona win)
- 2014/2015: Barcelona 1-0 Man City (Barcelona win)
- 2016/2017: Barcelona 4-0 Man City (Barcelona win)
- 2016/2017: Man City 3-1 Barcelona (Man City win)
It was later revealed that Guardiola feared losing his job ahead of City’s miraculous 3-1 victory over Barcelona in 2016, a moment that proved pivotal for his side. At that time, Barcelona were among the best in the world, alongside Real Madrid, but the tables have since turned. Now, Manchester City are the superior team on paper, which could give them an edge if the two clubs meet again.
Should City and Barcelona cross paths in the Champions League this season, fans can expect a thrilling encounter, rich in narrative and emotion.
