Die-hard Blue Anthony Plant is the only supporter to have made the trip from Manchester to Russia to see Nick Cushing’s side face Zvezda Perm in the second leg of their European tie.
The domestic double winners hold a 2-0 lead from the first leg, and - quite literally standing alone - Plant hopes to cheer his side on to the Round of 16.
We caught up with the truest of true Blues to find out the ins and outs of his journey...
As City’s only fan to have made the trip to Perm, how do you feel?
I feel famous! It’s a good journey to do. It’s a long way to come but it’s an historic trip – Man City Women’s first Champions League away game.
I was always going to come here to watch the girls, no matter where it was, although I’d probably have preferred somewhere warmer!
How was the organisation of the trip?
It wasn’t too bad… It was just a matter of doing the flights, as some entailed long delays at certain airports. One was in Moscow – I had to wait there for six hours and 25 minutes, and there wasn’t much to do.
It’s taken me 12 hours and 15 minutes to get here in total.
How did your journey pan out?
I set off from Manchester at 7:25pm on Sunday evening, flew to Amsterdam and had a two-hour, 25-minute wait there. Then, I went on to Moscow and then on to beautiful Perm!
How many miles is that altogether?
I think it’s just under 3,000 – around 2,800?
And the total cost?
The total cost, including flights, hotel and visa was just under £1,000.
What have you been up to in Perm since you arrived?
I went to the stadium to have a look around – it’s very nice and the staff were friendly. I watched Amkar Perm play their reserve team and then I had a walk into the city centre. I went to the Walking Bear monument and I’ll be attending the training session on Tuesday evening. Then I’ll do a bit more sightseeing before the massive game on Wednesday.
Is this the furthest you’ve been to watch City play?
No, I’ve been to Melbourne, Australia to watch the men in pre-season.
How long have you followed City?
All my life. I was born a Blue and I’ll die a Blue! I started watching the Women when they rebranded.
Nick Cushing’s side have enjoyed a fantastic season – you must be proud to have witnessed every step of the journey?
It’s been an amazing season. To have gone undefeated in the league until now – hopefully that will continue on 30 October in the final game against Birmingham – and to play in the Champions League for the first time is really exciting. It’s all good at the moment, and I’m really looking forward to the game on Wednesday.
Of course, City won their first game in the Champions League, but what are you expecting from the competition?
I think it’s a free run. There’s no pressure – I think they’ll just go at it, play football and hopefully, get some good results. I’m looking forward to some decent trips!
Surely the question everyone wants to know the answer to… what do you do for a living?
I’m a self-employed taxi driver. I can choose my own hours and I work them around the football.
What are your plans when you return to Manchester on Thursday?
Everton on Saturday, then I’m off to Barcelona on Monday night to watch the first-team in sunnier climes!
Come on, City!
