Manchester City Achieve First Target in 2020-21

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: The Manchester City badge on a board during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester City and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Etihad Stadium on November 7, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: The Manchester City badge on a board during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester City and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Etihad Stadium on November 7, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, Manchester City defeated Olympiacos on Matchday 4 in the group stages in this season’s UEFA Champions League. The result means that the Sky Blues booked their ticket to the competition’s knockout stages.

Manchester City’s victory also means that they achieved their first target in the 2020/21 season. A win or draw against Porto on Matchday 5 will see the Sky Blues win the group.

The Mancunian club struggled at the start of this season. Having played eight matches in this year’s English Premier League, the Sky Blues find themselves in thirteenth place, their worst start under manager Pep Guardiola.

Outside of the league, however, they have had some positive results. City defeated Bournemouth and Burnley in the earlier stages of the EFL “Carabao” Cup. The Sky Blues will now face Arsenal on 22 December the competition’s quarter-finals. Meanwhile, City will enter the FA Cup via the Third Round, albeit their opponent is to be determined.

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Overall, while City have struggled in the early stages of the Premier League this season, they have fared well thusfar in cup competitions. More than half of the 2020/21 season remains, but City achieved their first target. They qualified for the Champions League’s knockout stages, and perhaps this could be a boost of confidence for the club.