Foden

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The King is lifeless. Lengthy stay the King. Or, for , the kings. Erling Haaland scored his fiftieth purpose – the quickest ever to achieve that landmark, in simply 49 video games – and was abetted as soon as once more by a rejuvenated Phil Foden.

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“You can not think about earlier than how we missed Phil,” Pep Guardiola, the Metropolis supervisor, mentioned. “I do know he performed near Erling within the 12 months we gained a fourth Premier League [in a row].

“His sense of hazard near the field. We’re so blissful. I do know that when he has that pleasure his pure expertise is unbelievable.”

Foden and Erling Haaland rejoice collectively following the Norwegian’s landmark purpose – Getty Photos /Dan Istitene

That “pleasure” referred to Foden showing to be not simply again to full health and kind prior to now two video games, however blissful once more in himself, with Guardiola suggesting that some “persons are extra delicate” and subsequently that Foden’s struggles had hit him particularly arduous. “Phil Foden is a man who must really feel embraced, in all facets,” the Metropolis supervisor defined.

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A lot focus was understandably on the return of Kevin De Bruyne – King Kev, in fact – who left in the summertime and joined Napoli after a decade of wonderful service at Metropolis. Sadly he was substituted halfway by way of the primary half, when the Italian champions had a defender despatched off and wanted to shore issues up.

Sadly for De Bruyne, it meant the sluggish lap of honour he deservedly undertook after the ultimate whistle, inspired by his former Metropolis team-mates, lasted virtually so long as his time on the pitch through the sport.

Kevin De Bruyne’s Eithad return lasted simply 26 minutes – Getty Photos /Molly Darlington

De Bruyne’s combos with Haaland grew to become such a function of Metropolis’s success, not least in successful the treble, however after a 12 months that felt like he was within the wilderness, it now seems like Foden is taking on that mantle. How joyous is that?

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Foden’s help for Haaland’s purpose, which broke Napoli’s dogged resistance as they have been coached and cajoled by Antonio Conte, was merely good. “Phil in that place is unbelievable,” Guardiola purred.

Certainly, what an help it was, Foden having the imaginative and prescient and talent to dink the ball over a packed defence from the sting of the penalty space to satisfy Haaland’s run, and the striker guiding his header excessive into the online.

Substitute Mathías Olivera tried to tug Haaland again. That was by no means going to work.

What did work was observe, with Foden later revealing it was a transfer that had come straight off the coaching floor. “[The pass] is one thing I’ve been engaged on in coaching; I do know Erling will at all times make that run, I do know he’s there even earlier than I play the ball. Hopefully we will do it once more,” Foden mentioned.

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That will likely be music to Metropolis’s ears given the priority over Foden, who gained all the person awards after the 2023-24 marketing campaign after which struggled so badly final season.

Haaland’s purpose meant he broke the report set by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took 62 appearances to achieve the half-century. It took Lionel Messi 66 video games and Cristiano Ronaldo 91. To place that additional into perspective, Thierry Henry totalled 50 in his glittering profession and that got here in 112 matches. We’re witnessing a phenomenon.

“He appears to interrupt each report going,” Foden mentioned. “At his age as properly, it’s exceptional. Unbelievable participant and somebody we’d like very a lot this 12 months.”

The identical might be mentioned of him.

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A lot of the pre-match speak had clearly additionally been about Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay, nevertheless it was one other former Manchester United participant who Metropolis needed to beat: goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic who spent a season on the membership (2014-15) with out making an look, earlier than happening mortgage again to his native Serbia.

The 6ft 8in goalkeeper made 4 wonderful saves to disclaim Metropolis as they mounted wave after wave within the first half following the crimson card rightly proven to Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who slid in to attempt to cease Haaland as he ran onto to a different intelligent Foden supply however missed the ball bringing him down.

As Metropolis protested – with Haaland wagging a finger after which waving an imaginary card – the German referee Felix Zwayer supposed to play on however was known as over to the pitchside monitor after a VAR examine. It was a transparent denial of a goalscoring alternative, simply exterior the realm and a crimson card adopted.

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It meant De Bruyne – at 34, and clearly much less cellular than the opposite midfielders – was taken off by Conte. “It was the one substitution I might make,” he mentioned. “I used to be actually sorry for him. However Kevin understood very properly that it was the one possibility.”

It additionally meant that Napoli doubled down defensively – “it’s the DNA of Italian groups,” Guardiola mentioned – and it required particular moments from Haaland, Foden and likewise Jeremy Doku – the scorer of their second purpose after one other twinkled toed dribble – to lastly beat Milinkovic-Savic and instantly get Metropolis up operating on this competitors.

It additionally felt like a big check handed for this evolving Metropolis aspect – and with Rodri additionally again though he was taken off early as a precaution – and sandwiched between the Manchester derby and Sunday’s momentous away journey to Arsenal; having had 48 hours much less time to arrange.

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It’s not simply the type of Haaland and Foden that’s inflicting pleasure. Doku is rising as an exciting winger and, equally to the best way he burst into the United space to create Foden’s opening purpose on the weekend, his fast ft and shut management did it once more as he added Metropolis’s second. “In small areas, in 5 metres, he’s unstoppable,” Guardiola mentioned.

It meant it was sport over and the Metropolis followers once more chanted De Bruyne’s identify. He stays royalty to them even when the crown has been handed on.

Pep Guardiola’s verdict

We performed quite a bit in opposition to 10 males, which was a bonus, however we weren’t careworn in that state of affairs and we additionally performed properly in opposition to 11.

[On Foden and Haaland’s combination] In the previous few video games the sensation has been completely different – our composure defensively and offensively, our physique language is unbelievably good. I’m very happy. We have now an unbelievable problem on Sunday [at Arsenal] however going there with this sense is significantly better.

[On Jeremy Doku] In small areas, in 5 metres, he’s unstoppable. The final two video games he’s been actually, actually good.

[On the challenge of playing against 10 men] The Italian groups are unbelievable. Their resilience, their focus… it’s so, so robust. I like them quite a bit. To have the resilience and [fight for] each ball and each ball and each ball; defend two in opposition to one and assist and be shut; defend the crosses and make the blocks. They’re actually, actually good. It’s within the DNA of Italian groups.

Antonio Conte’s response

It’s already troublesome in opposition to Manchester Metropolis when it’s 11 v 11. With 10 males after 20 minutes, it was unattainable.

We have been defensively actually good with 10 males however I feel we will do significantly better with the 2 targets. I don’t have something to inform my gamers as a result of the dedication and perspective have been good. I favored the mentality and the best way they suffered collectively.

The sport was ruined by the crimson card however I didn’t see it so I don’t know whether or not it was the correct resolution or not. We have now to simply accept it.

[Kevin De Bruyne] was the one substitution I might make. I used to be actually sorry for him. However Kevin understood very properly that it was the one possibility.

Phil Foden’s response

Excellent begin, a 2-0 win in opposition to a tricky opponent. Even with 10 males they’re a nightmare to interrupt down; their construction is so good and so they provide you with minimal area. It’s about utilizing the ball on the proper time and attempting to interrupt the strains. We didn’t give many turnovers away in foolish areas, and general it was a stable efficiency.

[On the first goal] The primary half was irritating – I didn’t get many touches between the strains – however I knew as soon as the sport opened up there’d be one or two possibilities to activate the ball. [The pass] is one thing I’ve been engaged on in coaching; I do know Erling will at all times make that run, I do know he’s there even earlier than I play the ball. Hopefully we will do it once more.

[On Haaland] He appears to interrupt each report going. At his age as properly, it’s exceptional. Unbelievable participant and somebody we’d like very a lot this 12 months.

[On Jeremy Doku] He’s enjoying very well. That is in all probability the very best kind he’s been in for Metropolis. He’s unbelievable one v one and he’s so robust. It’s nearly slowing down within the closing third and he’s improved that this 12 months.

[On Kevin De Bruyne] I can’t thank him sufficient for what he’s carried out for us and the trophies he’s gained us. He’ll be a legend right here perpetually.

The Etihad salutes De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne embraces his outdated teammates, with Ruben Dias conducting the house crowd as they sing his identify. He’ll at all times be adored on the Etihad.

FT: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Manchester Metropolis start their Champions League marketing campaign with an emphatic win over 10-man Napoli. They have been on prime even earlier than Giovanni Di Lorenzo was despatched off after 21 minutes, with Kevin De Bruyne substituted within the ensuing reshuffle; and although Napoli fought arduous to achieve half-time at 0-0, it was by no means going to be sustainable.

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Erling Haaland, arrange classily by Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku scored wonderful targets to complete the sport as a contest with 25 minutes nonetheless to play. Subsequent up for Metropolis: Arsenal away on Sunday.

90 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Simply the 2 minutes of added time. The final quarter of the sport has been a non-event; understandably so given the schedule of each groups.

87 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Buongiorno is down after being by accident poked within the eye by a teammate. It’s been a tricky evening for the Napoli defenders.

83 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Each groups would fortunately name it an evening now if that they had the choice. Doku’s purpose extinguished no matter life was left within the sport.

80 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Triple substitution for Metropolis Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb substitute Tijjani Reijnders, Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol.

Erling Haaland leaves the sector after being substituted. – Jason Cairnduff/Motion Photos by way of Reuters

78 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Savinho goes down simply inside the realm after a lean from Spinazzola. No penalty.

75 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

The early crimson card makes it arduous to learn an excessive amount of into this Metropolis’s efficiency, although it’s value saying that they have been properly on prime earlier than Di Lorenzo was despatched off. Nonetheless, the journey to Arsenal on Sunday will likely be a real health-check for this re-emerging Metropolis aspect.

72 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Triple substitution for Napoli Billy Gilmour, David Neres and and Eljif Elmas come on for Lobotka, Anguiss and Hojlund. Napoli play Pisa in Serie A on Monday evening.

69 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0

Metropolis substitution Savinho replaces Jeremy Doku, who backed up a superb efficiency in opposition to Man Utd with one other tonight. At his greatest – wherever close to his greatest, in actual fact – he’s a nightmare for defenders.

Jeremy Doku celebrates his purpose. – Jason Cairnduff/Motion Photos by way of Reuters

Haaland smashes Champions League recordGoal!

65 min: Man Metropolis 2 Napoli 0 (Doku) If Metropolis’s first was a beautiful group purpose, the second is all concerning the brilliance of Jeremy Doku. He was surrounded by Napoli defenders when he obtained a brief go on the sting of the realm. Crucially, Doku was allowed to show, and from that second Napoli had issues. He shuffled previous two or three defenders in a phonebox earlier than sliding a low shot beneath Milinkovic-Savic from the angle. Beautifully carried out.

Watch: Haaland heads Metropolis in front63 min: Man Metropolis 1 Napoli 0

Lobotka concedes a nook with an necessary last-ditch sort out on Doku. Now that the impasse has been damaged, the consequence looks like a formality.

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The ensuing nook is headed large by Gonzalez forward of the close to put up.

62 min: Man Metropolis 1 Napoli 060 min: Man Metropolis 1 Napoli 0

Metropolis substitution Nico Gonzalez replaces Rodri, who had a superb sport however is being managed fastidiously on his return. Metropolis will want him on the Emirates on Sunday.

Purpose!

56 min: Man Metropolis 1 Napoli 0 (Haaland) Erling Haaland offers Metropolis the lead with a superb purpose. They minimize Napoli open by going straight down the center: Rodri into Foden, who lifted an imaginative short-range go in direction of Haaland. He ran away from his marker and stretched to lob a neat header over Milinkovic-Savic.

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It’s Haaland’s fiftieth Champions League purpose in his forty ninth sport, demolishing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s report of 62 video games to achieve that milestone.

Erling Haaland heads Metropolis in entrance. – Jason Cairnduff/Motion Photos by way of Reuters

55 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Napoli substitution The Brazilian defender Juan Jesus replaces Matteo Politano, who was booked a second in the past. That might imply a change to a again 5.

52 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Politano is booked for a brazen tactical foul on Doku. When in Rome…

Simply earlier than that, Pep Guardiola implored the house followers to make extra noise.

50 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Doku’s low ball in from the left is taken properly on the run by Foden, who screws a cross-shot by way of the legs of a defender and simply large of the far put up. That’s Metropolis’s nineteenth try at purpose tonight.

48 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

A terrific defensive header, I feel from Beukema, stops a cross from the left reaching Foden in entrance of purpose.

46 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Again beneath manner on the Etihad.

HT verdict

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Whereas the substitution of Kevin De Bruyne after the dismissal of Giovanni Di Lorenzo made sense it has been greeted with an actual sense of unhappiness contained in the stadium upon his return to Manchester Metropolis. With Napoli all the way down to 10 males and simply 25 minutes performed it’s comprehensible why head coach Antonio Conte felt it proper to sacrifice the 34-year-old for one more defender. However nonetheless. Metropolis ought to actually be in entrance in opposition to the Italian champions however should get previous a goalkeeper – at 6ft 8in – in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic who’s even greater than their very own big, Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Erling Haaland reveals his frustration. – Nick Potts/PA

HT: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

A dominant efficiency from Metropolis, each earlier than and after the sending-off of Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo for denying Erling Haaland a transparent goalscoring alternative. However Napoli defended with the self-discipline and need of an Antonio Conte group to frustrate Metropolis.

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The principle occasion of the half, aside from the crimson card, was Conte’s resolution to take off Kevin De Bruyne when Napoli went all the way down to 10 males.

45+1 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Metropolis go shut! Bernardo Silva twists Olivera a method after which the opposite on the correct aspect of the realm earlier than selecting out Reijnders in area on the sting. He sidefoots a low first-time shot that’s stabbed in direction of his personal purpose by the stretching Politano – and straight into the arms of Milinkovic-Savic.

Reijnders’ shot might need been going large, it’s arduous to inform. Politano didn’t assume so – he began punching the air to rejoice his goalline clearance/close to own-goal.

45 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Reijnders makes a superb off-the-ball run into the realm. Foden picks out with an aesthetic chip and Reijnders’ backheader loops onto the roof of the online. A neat concept however Milinkovic-Savic had it coated.

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There will likely be 4 minutes of added time.

42 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Gvardiol has a pop along with his proper foot from 20 yards. It’s a reasonably good effort that flashes solely simply large, although Milinkovic-Savic was comfy and didn’t hassle diving.

41 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Milinkovic-Savic makes two good saves within the area of 30 seconds. On each events he dived well to his proper to maintain out headers, first from O’Reilly after which from Gvardiol.

38 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

One other Metropolis cross is headed away so far as Rodri, 22 yards out. He adjusts his physique to snap a superb volley that’s pushed away by Milinkovic-Savic, diving low to his proper. That’s save.

37 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Dias curls an inviting cross, virtually De Bruyne-like, from the correct. I say ‘virtually’ as a result of it was fractionally overhit and evaded the stretching Haaland on the far put up. De Bruyne would have put it straight on Haaland’s left foot.

Erling Haaland simply fails to achieve Ruben Dias’ cross. – Peter Powell/Reuters

34 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

O’Reilly concedes a nook with a sliding sort out on Politano, who lands studs first on O’Reilly. A painful blow however clearly an accident and O’Reilly accepts Politano’s apology.

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The nook is swung straight into the endless arms of Donnarumma.

32 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Gvardiol’s long-range shot is blocked. It’s all Metropolis – it was when it was 11v11 – however to date Napoli have defended very properly.

30 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Rodri clips an angled go infield to Foden, who controls it deftly 25 yards from purpose and rifles a low shot that’s comfortably saved by Milinkovic-Savic.

Few gamers in world soccer management passes on the half flip in addition to Foden.

De Bruyne substituted

26 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0 Antonio Conte shouldn’t be a sentimental man. With Napoli needing a alternative right-back, Mathias Olivera comes on to interchange Kevin De Bruyne. That was at all times on the playing cards as soon as Di Lorenzo was despatched off; of the 5 Napoli midfielders that began the sport, De Bruyne provides the least defensively. And Napoli are going to do plenty of defending.

24 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Reijnders flips a pleasant inswinging cross that’s headed over by the flying Haaland eight yards out. A beautiful leap however he couldn’t fairly recover from the ball.

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Napoli are getting ready a substitution, which could possibly be dangerous information for Kevin De Bruyne.

22 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Reijnders whacks the ensuing free-kick off the wall and behind for a nook.

Di Lorenzo despatched off

21 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0 It was a easy resolution for the referee Felix Zwayer as soon as he noticed the replay. Haaland was operating clear onto a pleasant go from Foden, and Di Lorenzo didn’t contact the ball as he lunged right into a problem on the sting of the D. Textbook dogso.

Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo remonstrates to referee Felix Zwayer after being proven a crimson card – Reuters/Peter Powell

19 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

VAR examine for a possible crimson card The final man Di Lorenzo makes a determined lunging problem on Haaland simply exterior the realm. The referee says he obtained the ball however replays present that wasn’t the case. Di Lorenzo, the Napoli captain, is in bother right here.

Erling Haaland is challenged by Giovanni Di Lorenzo. – Dave Thompson/AP

17 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Donnarumma makes save, pushing away Beukema’s downward header from a right-wing nook. Inferior to his fingertip cease from Bryan Mbeumo on Sunday however nonetheless cease.

15 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Doku, who has been the largest hazard to Napoli early on, runs Di Lorenzo win a nook on the left. Bernardo takes, Haaland heads over beneath strain.

14 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

De Bruynewatch: nothing to report. Napoli have barely had the ball, so he’s attending to see how the opposite half have lived on the Etihad within the final decade.

Kevin De Bruyne, proper, has had a quiet begin on his return to the Etihad. – Dave Thompson/AP

12 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Napoli’s first harmful assault. Spinazzola turns Khusanov a method after which the opposite earlier than lifting a cross past the far put up. Anguissa heads it down and Rodri will get in entrance of McTominay to clear.

9 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Reijnders works Milinkovic-Savic with a fierce rising drive from the sting of the realm. It was central sufficient to be a cushty save for the keeper.

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Foden curls the ensuing nook past the far put up, the place Doku chests the ball down and has a shot blocked. On reflection he ought to in all probability have taken it on the volley.

8 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Metropolis have made a relaxed, assured begin, with a lot of the sport happening within the Napoli  half in the mean time.

4 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

Doku takes his time on the ball, then lays it again invitingly to the onrushing Dias. He shoots properly large from distance.

1 min: Man Metropolis 0 Napoli 0

We’re beneath manner on the Etihad.

The return of King Kev

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Boos once more ring out on the Etihad because the Champions League anthem is performed. In the meantime a banner studying ‘King Kev’ – Kevin De Bruyne – is unfurled with the now Napoli midfielder trying moved on the reception he’s receiving. A chant of ‘oh Kevin De Bruyne’ has additionally now began and he’s clapping the Manchester Metropolis followers. How lengthy will the love-in final?

The Metropolis XI line up earlier than the sport. – DARREN STAPLES/AFP

Guardiola alert to Hojlund’s risk

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Clearly a lot of the main target will likely be on the return of Kevin De Bruyne so quickly after he left Manchester Metropolis. However it would even be attention-grabbing to see how Rasmus Hojlund fares for Napoli. The striker, on mortgage initially from Manchester United, has not loved report in opposition to Metropolis with no targets in 4 video games. However, curiously, he’s extremely rated by Pep Guardiola who was shocked that he struggled throughout his time within the Premier League. Guardiola regards the Dane as a participant with a ‘excessive ceiling’ and it must be remembered that he’s nonetheless simply 22.

De Bruyne edges Man Utd legend as best Premier League midfielder

This tribute from Jason Burt, written when Kevin De Bruyne’s departure from Manchester Metropolis was introduced in April, is properly value one other learn.

Each soccer fan owes a debt of gratitude to Kevin De Bruyne for what he has carried out for the Premier League. Not simply along with his targets, his assists, his good soccer and the place he ranks within the pantheon. However for ensuring it carried on.

Here’s a story about De Bruyne. It was throughout Covid. On the peak of after we didn’t know through which course we have been heading. Bear in mind the sense of euphoria when it was introduced that the Premier League would resume on June 17, 2020 as, after a three-month lay-off, “Challenge Restart” was given the go-ahead?

It was De Bruyne who persuaded the gamers that it will be OK.

Throughout a captains’ assembly, on a Zoom name, the temper had been to not play. There was anxiousness and doubt and the prevailing sense, with issues over participant security, was to attend – which the Premier League considered a disaster for its future. It was struggling to win the argument.

Kevin De Bruyne warms up on his return to the Etihad. – Peter Powell/Reuters

Three out of three for Napoli

Antonio Conte’s group have began their Serie A defence strongly, selecting up most factors from their first three video games.

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Pep Guardiola’s pre-match ideas

[On why City are unchanged] My resolution! It’s straightforward to know. We’ve had plenty of adjustments within the squad so I’m attempting to deliver somewhat little bit of consistency within the line-up.

[On the importance of a strong start] We dropped plenty of factors [last season] however the competitors is hard. However yeah, you’re proper, to start out with a win can be good.

Head-to-head report

That is the fifth assembly between CIty and Napoli after they have been paired in the identical group in 2011-12 and 2017-18.

2011-12

Bayern Munich and Villarreal have been additionally in a fiendishly troublesome group. Metropolis took 10 factors from six video games however completed third and did not progress.

2017-18

Metropolis topped the group with ease. Napoli completed third, behind Shakhtar Donetsk, and have been eradicated.

Metropolis’s foremost manNapoli group information

Kevin De Bruyne begins for Napoli, who’re additionally unchanged from a weekend victory, of their case a 3-1 triumph at Fiorentina. Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are additionally again in Manchester.

Man Metropolis group information

Pep Guardiola sticks with the XI that began in opposition to United within the derby. That’s a little bit of a shock – Metropolis play on the Emirates on Sunday so I assumed he may relaxation a few gamers with that in thoughts.

Good night

Howdy and welcome to stay, minute-by-minute protection of Manchester Metropolis v Napoli on the Etihad Stadium. It’s one of many standout matches of the primary spherical of Champions League fixtures – not least as a result of Kevin De Bruyne, maybe the best participant in Metropolis’s historical past, is returning to the Etihad only some months after being launched.

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Even with out De Bruyne’s presence, this may be a box-office fixture: the dominant English group of the final decade versus the present Italian champions. Metropolis have had a combined begin to the season, and any judgement on their possibilities of main silverware this season ought to in all probability be deferred till after Sunday’s match at Arsenal, however there have been some encouraging indicators of their 3-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola will likely be eager to keep away from the drama of final season’s Champions League marketing campaign, when Metropolis misplaced 5 of their final eight video games and have been properly overwhelmed by Actual Madrid within the playoff spherical. So, are Metropolis contenders to win the large one?

“Apparently we’re not!” mentioned Guardiola at his pre-match press convention. “We’re blissful to be right here after the trail we’ve been on so we’re simply specializing in tomorrow and beginning properly on this competitors. Should you begin with a foul consequence it may be troublesome, final season we drew the primary sport in opposition to Inter and hopefully we will do higher.”

De Bruyne has hit the bottom swaggering in Naples, scoring twice in his first three Serie A video games. “It’s not a shock,” mentioned Pep Guardiola. “Gamers at that degree adapt so fast. They don’t want a lot time to adapt and carry out properly.”

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Metropolis know precisely what they’re up in opposition to tonight. However forewarned shouldn’t be at all times forearmed.

Kick off 8pm