AS Roma, Bayern Munich and CSKA Moscow all chalked up victories ahead of match day two of the continent’s premier club competition.
It was a fairly straightforward weekend for City’s next opponents in the tournament as Roma saw off Hellas Verona 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to maintain their 100% record.
I Giallorossi have now won all five of their matches in their domestic league to keep pace with champions Juventus at the Serie A summit.
However, there was a long wait for the goal which set up this latest success.
Alessandro Florenzi gave Roma the lead after 75 minutes before man of the moment Mattia Destro struck to double the advantage and secure the points four minutes from time.
Roma’s emphatic 5-1 win over CSKA Moscow a fortnight ago sees them lead the embryonic Group E table ahead of Bayern Munich on goal difference.
For this reason, their boss Rudi Garcia believes that all of the pressure is on City on Tuesday night.
“It will be a great match. They have no points, so all the pressure is on them. They need to get a result at their home ground,” said the Frenchman.
“We are solid and we’ve shown we have confidence in our game. We’re ready to handle the challenges when they come, but we have to enjoy this experience and take what we can get from it.”
Former City boss Roberto Mancini forecasts a “spectacular” encounter when the Italians come to Manchester.
“I expect a spectacular challenge,” the 49-year-old told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Manchester City practice a different style of football with respect to the others in England - infinite passes, the ball on the ground, the ability to switch between the patterns of attack in the middle or on the wings.
“Roma play with the ball, as once before. City are not the Manchester United of a few years ago, all running and competitiveness.
This could be an advantage for Roma.
...Roberto Mancini...
“The best tactic against City? The key is a fast start and to take advantage of the opportunity that City will grant them.”
Roma are likely to be without Daniele De Rossi due to a torn calf muscle, while Davide Astori (knee) and Juan Iturbe (thigh) may also be sidelined.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich extended their lead in the Bundesliga with a 2-0 away win at Koln.
Mario Gotze put the German giants ahead after 19 minutes and an own goal by Daniel Halfar completed the scoring on 66 minutes at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday.
Bayern now lead the table by two points from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Pep Guardiola’s men face CSKA Moscow on match day two on Tuesday.
Leonid Slutsky’s side arrive into the game fresh from their 4-3 victory over Ural in Ekaterinburg.
Seydou Doumbia struck twice for the Russian champions, including an 89th minute winner to keep them just four points behind leaders Zenit in second place.
Tickets are still available for City’s opening home Champions League clash against AS Roma on 30 September (7:45pm BST).
Don’t miss out on this crucial encounter as Manuel Pellegrini‘s men look to continue their European adventure with this must-win tie against the Italian outfit.
European nights at the Etihad Stadium under the lights are always special so get your tickets now.
