Have Manchester City won the Champions League? History of their bid to win Europe’s biggest trophy
When Pep Guardiola was hired by Manchester City in 2016, many expected the two-time Champions League winning manager to guide the Citizens to the promised land.
Domestic supremacy has ensued under Guardiola's watch, and while City have long been regarded as the best team in Europe, glory on the continental stage has continued to elude them.
Guardiola's stint, as majestic as it's been, will not be complete until he guides City to the Champions League crown.
The club's history with Europe's premier club competition isn't particularly extensive, but it's a painful one nonetheless.
When did Man City first appear in the Champions League?
Contrary to popular belief, Man City's first appearance in Europe's premier club competition didn't arrive in their maiden Premier League title-winning season of 2011/12 under Roberto Mancini.
Their first appearance came way back when during the 1968/69 season when only the winners of Europe's major leagues qualified for the European Cup. City came out of nowhere to win Division 1 in 1967/68 under Joe Mercer, but they were eliminated in the first round of the European Cup a season later by Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Man City's best Champions League finish
Man City have long suffered in the Champions League, and no defeat has hit deeper than the 2021 final in Porto. Guardiola's side overcame Borussia Dortmund and a superstar-laden PSG side to advance into the club's second-ever European final where they faced domestic rivals Chelsea.
Many expected this to be City's crowning glory under Guardiola, but they were completely thwarted by Thomas Tuchel's Blues. Guardiola's decision to not start a recognised holding midfielder was strange and it proved costly as Chelsea scythed through City to score the game's only goal just before half-time.
City followed up their defeat in Porto by reaching the semi-finals last season, but they succumbed to Real Madrid's miraculous aura in the closing stages of the second leg after leading the tie for so long.
That was the second time the Citizens have reached the last four before being beaten by Los Blancos. Manuel Pellegrini took the Sky Blues to the semis in 2015/16 before they were edged out over two legs by the eventual champions.
Man City's Champions League finishes
Season | Manager | Round eliminated |
|---|---|---|
1968/69 | Joe Mercer | First round |
2011/12 | Roberto Mancini | Group stage |
2012/13 | Roberto Mancini | Group stage |
2013/14 | Manuel Pellegrini | Round of 16 |
2014/15 | Manuel Pellegrini | Round of 16 |
2015/16 | Manuel Pellegrini | Semi-finals |
2016/17 | Pep Guardiola | Round of 16 |
2017/18 | Pep Guardiola | Quarter-finals |
2018/19 | Pep Guardiola | Quarter-finals |
2019/20 | Pep Guardiola | Quarter-finals |
2020/21 | Pep Guardiola | Final |
2021/22 | Pep Guardiola | Semi-finals |
Why haven't Man City won the Champions League?
Pffft. How do you answer this question? Well, let's try and break it down. Before Guardiola arrived, City were never regarded as a favourite to go all the way in the Champions League.
They suffered back-to-back group stage exits under Roberto Mancini before they were twice swatted aside by a far superior Barcelona in the round of 16. Their maiden semi-final berth arrived in 2015/16 but a Fernando own goal was enough for Real Madrid to advance into the final.
Guardiola's reign began in 2016/17 as City endured a year of transition. Thus, they were eliminated by an exciting young Monaco side in the round of 16 after collapsing in the away second leg.
From 2017/18 onwards, a myriad of factors have been at play during City's European exits. They succumbed to the Anfield atmosphere in 17/18, VAR stymied them a season later against Tottenham before they inexplicably lost to Lyon in the quarters during the Covid-hit 2019/20 season.
Guardiola opted to change tack for the one-legged affair, perhaps thinking too much about the distinctly inferior opposition, and City's fluidity in possession suffered as a result. An error-laden performance ended in a 3-1 defeat. The City boss' approach then wasn't optimal in the 2021 final before Real stunned the Citizens in last season's semi-final.
There is no single reason why City are yet to win the Champions League, but a combination. Imposing away atmospheres, Guardiola's knack for complicating things, and an overwhelming amount of misfortune have each played a role.
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