
MANCHESTER CITY faces a significant challenge in their pursuit to restore their former glory.
This clash, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, highlighted the considerable decline they have encountered since late October.
Dusan Vlahovic’s header, which evaded Ederson, coupled with Weston McKennie’s volley, has left Pep Guardiola’s team with just one victory in their last ten matches.
Out of those games, seven ended in defeat, and the manager must find a strategy to uplift his weary players before the anticipated Manchester derby on Sunday.
Recently, they have navigated through the Champions League group stages with relative ease.
However, as the competition resumes in a month, securing a place in the top 24 is anything but guaranteed.
The upcoming match against longtime rivals Paris Saint-Germain, who are also desperate for points, will be followed by a home game against Club Brugge.
Considering they were crowned European champions just 18 months ago, their current struggle to secure a position in the Last 16 play-offs is concerning.
At this moment, City appears entirely devoid of confidence, conceding goals at an alarming rate while failing to convert their opportunities.
The past six weeks have been a nightmare for Pep, who notably signed a new two-year deal amid all of this turmoil.
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A trip to Turin might seem intimidating, but Juventus has lost four of their last six European matches at their Allianz Stadium.
Thiago Motta’s side started the match a few places below City in the standings, barely clinging to a playoff position.
Frustrated Man City manager Pep Guardiola had a unique interview discussing Rico Lewis’s red card
Guardiola reinstated first-choice keeper Ederson, who had been sidelined due to inconsistent performances in the previous Champions League match against Feyenoord.
That game – where they squandered a three-goal lead in just 15 minutes – has cast doubt on their prospects of advancing in the tournament after January.
Pep was again compelled to patch up his squad – using Rico Lewis as a left-back following his eventful performance at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
City maintained ownership, as Guardiola had instructed before the match, emphasizing the importance of returning to their core principles.
However, they found it hard to create substantial chances, while at the back, they were fortunate to see a shot from Kenan Yildiz narrowly miss.
The Turkish winger also outpaced City captain Kyle Walker on several occasions.
Challenges in the First Half
England defender Walker can no longer rely on his past speed and had to turn to Ruben Dias for a critical block.
City, on the other hand, failed to register a single notable attempt in the first thirty minutes – the first time such a failure occurred in a European match in four years.
Erling Haaland had a shot blocked by Teun Koopmeiners before it fell to the grasp of Michele di Gregorio.
The two faced each other again shortly afterward as the Norwegian pursued a classic pass from Kevin De Bruyne.
Haaland attempted to chip the ball over the home goalkeeper, but Di Gregorio managed just enough to keep it out, resulting in the best chance of the half slipping away.
Guardiola would have been pleased with the possession his team exhibited but slightly concerned about their lack of creativity and occasionally sluggish performance.
Juventus Takes the Lead
After conceding seven goals in their last two matches in this tournament, they managed to keep the home team scoreless in the first half.
Guardiola recognized that failing to secure a win here could endanger their chances of finishing in the top eight and qualifying automatically for the Last 16.
A two-legged play-off in February is the last thing a squad already grappling with injuries needs.
Unsurprisingly, City’s best moments emerged through De Bruyne, whose low cross shortly after the restart found Ilkay Gundogan – but the German’s tame effort was blocked.
Those missed opportunities ultimately proved crucial as Juventus took the lead when Federico Gatti’s acrobatic shot was parried by Ederson.
Josko Gvardiol mishandled a clearance, and Yildiz sent it back into the area.
Another Error from Gvardiol
Vlahovic rose highest to meet the ball, and although Ederson managed to push it around the post, goal-line technology confirmed it had crossed the line.
It was a matter of mere millimeters, but it was a goal that should have been avoided, marking yet another misstep from Gvardiol, who is currently going through a tough period.
City recognized the urgency and responded – however, Juventus remained resolute in defense to maintain their lead.
Bernardo Silva’s prime chance was blocked, while De Bruyne’s long-range strike just missed the target.
Di Gregorio made a full-stretch dive to deflect Gundogan’s shot from the edge of the box around the post.
Yet, as they sought an equalizer, they were caught on the counterattack as substitute Timothy Weah – son of former City player George – dashed down the right flank.
His cross found US international teammate McKennie, whose fierce volley proved too much for Ederson.