Former Lokomotiv Moscow striker Dmitry Bulykin names Manchester City as the leading favourite to win the Champions League this season, sharing his view with vprognoze.ru. The seasoned forward highlights City’s proven track record, deep squad depth, and the tactical flexibility of Manager Josep Guardiola as the core reasons behind their status at the top of European football. He also stresses that football remains inherently unpredictable and that the knockout stages can deliver surprises even to the most confident pundits. Bulykin believes each playoff clash will bring unexpected twists and memorable moments as the tournament unfolds. citation: vprognoze.ru.
According to the former striker, Manchester City continues to set the standard for excellence in continental football. While acknowledging City as the favourite in many observers’ eyes, he notes that the beauty of the Champions League lies in its uncertainty. The playoffs, with their high-stakes atmosphere, can develop in surprising ways, and he urges fans to approach every tie with an open mind. The knockout format keeps the sense that a single performance can reshape a campaign, maintaining the drama that makes the competition so compelling. citation: vprognoze.ru.
Looking ahead to the 1/8 finals, Manchester City is scheduled to meet Danish side FC Copenhagen. The first leg is planned to take place in Copenhagen on February 13, with a 23.00 Moscow time kickoff. The return leg will be hosted by City at their home ground on March 6, again with a 23.00 Moscow time kickoff. These fixtures mark a pivotal phase in City’s pursuit of deeper rounds, where consistency and late-game decisiveness can decide outcomes. citation: vprognoze.ru.
City’s recent Champions League track record under Guardiola remains a central talking point. The club clinched the most recent title by edging Inter Milan 1-0 in a tightly contested final. Rodri delivered the decisive goal in the middle portion of the second half, underscoring City’s ability to seize decisive moments in pressure-filled matches. This success reinforces City’s position as aspirants for back-to-back triumphs and as a benchmark for other European clubs chasing glory. citation: vprognoze.ru.
In the broader narrative surrounding Manchester City, the spotlight often returns to the spectacular form of Erling Haaland, whose goal-scoring prowess has elevated City’s attack. Haaland’s impact has reshaped how opponents approach the team and added another layer of threat to Guardiola’s setup. Recent public appearances and social media posts featuring Haaland and other City stars have kept fans energized about the club’s evolving dynamic and the influence of key personalities off the field. citation: vprognoze.ru.