Following a shock 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt, the Citizens must beat Galatasaray at the Etihad to avoid a Champions League playoff nightmare.
Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar territory. After suffering what many call the biggest upset in recent Champions League history—a 3-1 loss to Norway’s Bodo/Glimt—Pep Guardiola’s men enter the final matchday in 11th place.
To secure a direct spot in the Round of 16, a win against Galatasaray is mandatory. Anything less will force the 2023 champions into a two-legged playoff round in February.
“Everything is Going Wrong” A visibly frustrated Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back after the Norwegian disaster. “We have the feeling that everything is going wrong in many details,” the manager admitted. “We have to change the dynamic immediately.” City’s domestic form has also been shaky, including a recent derby loss to Manchester United, making this European clash a defining moment for their season.
Team News: Makeshift Defense vs Osimhen Guardiola faces a selection crisis. With Rúben Dias, John Stones, and Joško Gvardiol all sidelined, and Rodri suspended, the City defense looks vulnerable. This is particularly concerning as they face a Galatasaray side led by the clinical Victor Osimhen, who has been in sensational form.
Predicted Lineups:
Manchester City (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Marc Guéhi, Khusanov, Aït-Nouri; Bernardo Silva, Reijnders, Phil Foden; Rayan Cherki, Doku, Erling Haaland.
Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Uğurcan Çakır; Sallai, Davinson Sánchez, Bardakcı, Jakobs; Lucas Torreira, Gündoğan; Yunus Akgün, Mario Lemina, Barış Yılmaz; Victor Osimhen.
Match Information:
- Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT / 3:00 PM EST (5:00 PM Brasília Time)
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Where to watch: TNT Sports (UK), Paramount+ (USA), Max (Brazil).
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
