Champions League Drama: Can Man City and PSG Survive the Group Stage?
Matchday six of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League is officially in the books, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the league phase barrels toward its conclusion. The 36-team table is starting to take shape, and the pressure is mounting for some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Among them, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) find themselves in precarious positions, teetering on the edge of elimination. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool are making strong cases as the continent’s top contenders this season.
Elsewhere, fans were treated to some jaw-dropping goals from the likes of Michael Olise, Julián Álvarez, and Jhon Durán. But which strike stood out the most? Let’s dive into the biggest talking points from this week’s action, as analyzed by ESPN writers Gab Marcotti, Sam Marsden, and Julien Laurens.
1. Man City and PSG: Who Has the Edge to Advance?
Marcotti: It’s crunch time for both teams, but the road ahead looks slightly tougher for PSG. Mathematically, PSG can’t make the top eight, and it’s going to be a challenge for City as well. The upcoming PSG vs. Man City clash is going to be monumental. For PSG, their final game is away to VfB Stuttgart, a team that’s no pushover at home. It’s essentially a “must-not-lose” game for them. On the other hand, City could afford to lose to PSG and still control their destiny with a final match against Club Brugge at the Etihad. That said, PSG are in better form right now, which could tip the scales in their favor.
Laurens: I think both teams will make it into the top 24 and qualify for the playoffs. My prediction? They’ll draw against each other and then win their final games, leaving City with 12 points and PSG with 11. While neither team will achieve their initial goal of finishing in the top eight, they’ll still be in the competition. This league phase has been a rollercoaster for both clubs, filled with drama, controversy, and immense pressure on coaches Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique. It’s been entertaining for neutrals, but nerve-wracking for City and PSG fans.
Marsden: Neither team will crack the top eight, but I don’t see either of them crashing out entirely. PSG have the advantage of hosting City at home and are in better domestic form. If they need to win at Stuttgart, I think they’ll pull it off. However, with one point less than City and two tough games ahead, PSG are at greater risk of an embarrassing early exit. City, on the other hand, should be fine. Their final game against Brugge at home should secure the points they need to stay alive.
2. Liverpool’s Perfect Run: Are They Title Favorites?
Marcotti: Liverpool have been phenomenal so far, and credit goes to manager Arne Slot for keeping the team focused despite potential distractions like expiring contracts. My main concern is whether they can juggle a Premier League title race and a deep Champions League run. Squad rotation will be key, and Slot has the depth to pull it off, but it’s easier said than done. Keeping Ryan Gravenberch fit and productive is crucial, as he’s arguably their most important player after Mohamed Salah.
Laurens: Right now, Liverpool are the best team in the competition. They’ve found ways to win even when not playing their best, as evidenced by their masterclass against defending champions Real Madrid on matchday five. However, the knockout stages are a different beast, and anything can happen. All the top teams, including Liverpool, will improve as the tournament progresses, making this year’s Champions League incredibly unpredictable.
Marsden: Liverpool are definitely contenders, but their flawless league phase won’t mean much come March. Slot has yet to face significant setbacks, and how he handles adversity will be telling. Salah’s form has been critical, with the Egyptian involved in 28 of Liverpool’s 50 goals this season. If they lose him, it could derail their campaign. Teams are also starting to figure them out, as Girona did this week despite losing. The challenge now is maintaining their high standards.
3. Goal of the Week: Who Stole the Show?
- Laurens: Michael Olise’s solo effort for Shakhtar Donetsk was pure magic. He weaved through six defenders with ease, finishing with a cheeky dummy to sit the keeper down. It’s a wonder goal from a special talent.
- Marsden: While Olise’s goal was stunning, the lackluster defending from Shakhtar tempers my enthusiasm. I’ll go with Jhon Durán’s rocket, but I have to give an honorable mention to the USMNT duo of Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie for their brilliant combination in Juventus’ 2-0 win over City.
- Marcotti: Anis Hadj Moussa’s curler for Feyenoord was delightful, but Olise’s goal still takes the cake for me, even if it came in garbage time.
4. Dark Horses: Who Could Surprise Us?
Marcotti: If we’re talking true underdogs, Brest and Lille are the obvious picks. Between the two, Lille has the more complete squad. If we expand the definition to include non-Super League clubs, Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta are intriguing options.
Laurens: Brest’s fairytale run will likely end in the next round, but Lille could go a step further. My top dark horse, though, is Atalanta. They’re leading Serie A and have been impressive in Europe. Nobody will want to face them in the knockouts.
Marsden: I like Aston Villa and Leverkusen as dark horses. Both are well-suited for knockout football and capable of upsetting bigger teams. Villa’s Unai Emery has a proven track record in European competitions, and Leverkusen’s win over Inter Milan this week will boost their confidence.
Originally Written by: Gab Marcotti
