How Are Manchester City and PSG Performing in the Champions League?
In a striking turn of events, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), two of Europe’s football giants, find themselves struggling in the current Champions League format. Both clubs, which have dominated their domestic leagues, are now confronting the very real threat of failing to progress past the league phase of the tournament. As of now, Manchester City sits in 24th place, while PSG occupies the 26th position. This unexpected scenario has led to intense scrutiny and concern among fans and analysts alike.
Manchester City’s recent performance has been unexpectedly lackluster. After being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Tottenham in October, Pep Guardiola’s squad has managed only five victories across 17 matches in all competitions. Their Champions League campaign started promisingly, with seven points from the first three games. However, they then faced disappointing losses against Sporting and Juventus, alongside a shocking draw against Feyenoord after leading by three goals. As Guardiola acknowledged, the stakes are high: “If we don’t qualify, we have to accept we were not good enough.”
PSG, on the other hand, remains unbeaten in Ligue 1, but their European form tells a different story. With only seven points from six matches, they have recorded three losses, one draw, and two wins. A notable downfall for them includes defeats against Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid. Despite their poor showing in Europe, coach Luis Enrique remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of commitment from his players.
What Do Manchester City and PSG Need to Progress in the Champions League?
Given their current standings, both teams face an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification for the last 16. Manchester City is five points away from the eighth spot, while PSG is six points adrift. For City, winning both of their remaining matches is crucial, with one victory potentially sufficient to secure a playoff spot. If City loses to PSG, the latter could overtake them in the standings, making their final match against Club Brugge critical. Conversely, PSG must aim for two wins in their final fixtures to ensure their progression.
The statistical outlook for both teams, according to Opta, shows Manchester City holding an 84% chance of making it to the playoffs, while PSG’s chances stand at 64%. However, should they progress through the playoffs, they would face significant challenges, as they would have to compete against teams that finished in the top eight.
What Would Be the Financial Impact of Missing Out?
Failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League carries serious financial implications for both clubs. Each team participating in the league phase receives approximately €18.62 million, with additional performance bonuses of €2.1 million for each win and €700,000 for a draw. The financial stakes increase with each position in the table, where teams that finish in higher ranks earn significantly more. For instance, finishing in 36th place nets €275,000, while the top team could receive up to €9.9 million.
Moreover, reaching the knockout rounds yields substantial rewards, with the potential for clubs to earn up to £21.1 million for winning the tournament. The financial repercussions of an early exit extend beyond immediate payouts, impacting long-term revenue from merchandise, ticket sales, and sponsorship opportunities.
In essence, the stakes have never been higher for Manchester City and PSG. Their upcoming matches not only determine their immediate fate in European competition but also have lasting implications on their financial health and reputations as elite clubs. As the Champions League progresses, the football world will be watching closely to see if these powerhouses can turn their fortunes around or if they will face the unthinkable: elimination from a tournament they have both aspired to win.