Manchester City had to watch on as the Champions League knockout stages continued on Tuesday night. Pep Guardiola’s side are now battling for an FA Cup.
What could’ve, and what was supposed to be another whirlwind season for Manchester City has petered out into a wildly disappointing one, as the Cityzens now play for just the FA Cup.
Real Madrid knocked Man City out of the Champions League in February. In the Premier League as well, Pep Guardiola’s side sit a whole 20 points behind league leaders Liverpool in the table.
All that’s left is the FA Cup. Man City beat Plymouth Argyle last time out and play Bournemouth in the quarter-finals in what will prove to be a very testing challenge for City, who can still qualify for next season’s Champions League.
On Tuesday, Real Madrid hosted neighbours Atletico after beating City 6-3 over the course of two legs. And for Atletico, former City man Julian Alvarez was on the scoresheet with a very well-taken goal that might rub salt into City wounds.
Joe Cole hails former Man City star Julian Alvarez, he could win the Ballon d’Or
Alvarez, now 25, has so far scored seven goals in nine Champions League games this season, as well as 10 in 26 La Liga games for Diego Simeone’s side, whom he joined in an £82million deal from City in the last summer transfer window.
Guardiola was reluctant to replace Alvarez at the Etihad Stadium in a move that now seems rather foolish. Alvarez continues to shine at Atletico and his well-taken goal at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night adds to what has so far been a stunning season for the Argentine.
Speaking on TNT Sports during the coverage of Real against Atletico (04.03.25), pundit and former Premier League man Joe Cole said of Alvarez: “He’s another lad we know very well from the Premier League.
“You won’t see a better goal in the Champions League. It’s beautiful, it’s sensational. This kid has won it all and done it all and he’s still only 25. I think we see the best of him over the next five years. I think he’s a Ballon d’Or winner in the future.”
Jamie Redknapp says Man City are desperately missing Julian Alvarez
Since Alvarez left, it’s become clear that City have neither the legs nor the depth in that attacking third to compete with the likes of Real Madrid or even Atletico.
Earlier in the season too, Jamie Redknapp explained how Man City miss Alvarez with his freshness coming off the bench bound to have been a huge help.
Even after seeing him star at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, Alvarez could be someone in this current City side who leads the way.
Redknapp said earlier in the campaign: “I honestly think, great money, Alvarez in the summer. But I think it was a huge loss not having him, just to bring him, just to bring him on to give you some freshness.”
Whilst a big sale, it’s proved to be a negligent one for City who are paying the price this season. The summer ahead is going to be a crucial one in shaping the seasons ahead for Man City.
