UCL: PEP GUARDIOLA ADMITS "EVERYTHING IS GOING WRONG" AFTER CITY'S SHOCK DEFEAT IN THE ARCTIC
Manchester City face a Champions League survival battle against Galatasaray after a shock 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
Pep Guardiola didn’t sugarcoat it—Manchester City have to turn things around, and fast, after that shocking 3-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle.
The city showed up already short-handed, missing a bunch of key players. Then Rodri got sent off, and the Norwegians took full advantage in the Champions League. That loss just piled onto their recent struggles in the league.
Honestly, things haven’t looked great. After four straight Premier League games without a win—including that tough derby defeat at United—City’s title hopes have definitely taken a hit.
Now, if they want to guarantee a spot in the Champions League’s last 16, they’ve got to get a result in their final group match against Galatasaray next week.
Guardiola faced the press afterwards and didn’t hide his frustration. “Since the new year started, it feels like everything’s going against us in so many ways,” he said.
He gave Bodo their due, too. “I know how good Bodo are. I didn’t underestimate them. They made the Europa League semi-finals last season—they’re no pushovers.”
Missing so many regulars, City just didn’t look as solid. “We were without important players who usually bring consistency. There’s a bit of fragility, just like we had during a stretch last season.”
Guardiola did give credit to his players for fighting hard when they went down to 10 men. “A lot of guys stepped up. But we’ve got to change things quickly—with Wolves up next, and then Galatasaray.”
So far this year, City have only managed wins in domestic cups, against Exeter and Newcastle. Eleven senior players missed the trip to Norway. Injuries, illness, suspensions—you name it.
“It felt like everything that could go wrong did,” Guardiola admitted. “That’s just how it is right now, but we have to find a way to fix it.”
When someone suggested his team looked flat, Guardiola shot that down. “I don’t agree. Bodo played really well, and they deserve a lot of credit. That’s all there is to it.”
Honestly, the 3-1 scoreline was a bit generous to City. Bodo stunned them with two quick goals in the first half, and Jens Petter Hauge hammered in a beauty after the break. Rayan Cherki got one back, but then Rodri picked up two bookings in a hurry and got sent off, killing off any hope of a comeback. City were lucky not to concede more—Hogh had a goal ruled out, and Hauge nearly scored again when he hit the post.
Guardiola didn’t blame Rodri, who’s still finding his feet after a tough knee injury last season. “It was a tough spot. We lost the ball; they broke quickly, and sometimes you just react. The second yellow was a bit soft, but that’s football.”
TOTTENHAM CONFIRM MANAGER POSITION FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH AGAINST ATLETICO MADRID
Tottenham confirm Igor Tudor will remain in charge for the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid this Tuesday.
Tottenham has put an end to the speculation about Igor Tudor’s future by confirming he will stay on as head coach for their upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Sky Sports reports Tudor will lead the pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of this crucial fixture.
Pressure on Tudor had been mounting following a rocky start at Tottenham. There were murmurs he might be sacked after a series of disappointing results, but the late 1-1 draw against Liverpool seems to have provided a reprieve. Before that, the assumption was that one more loss, especially away at Anfield, could cost him his job. Confirming Tudor’s role for the Atletico clash signals the club is sticking with him for now, at least through the next big challenge.
That challenge is significant. Spurs are trailing 5-2 on aggregate after the first leg against Atletico, a match that drew sharp criticism for Tottenham’s performance. The game was difficult to watch, not only because of the scoreline but also because of a striking moment when goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was taken off just 17 minutes in, a rare and unsettling decision that highlighted deeper issues.
For Tudor, Tuesday’s match is both a test and an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. The confirmation of his position brings mixed feelings among fans. There’s a recognition that stability is important during such a hectic part of the season, yet lingering doubts remain after some shaky displays.
Fans watched the first leg against Atletico with a sense of disbelief. Conceding five goals and that early goalkeeper substitution raised legitimate questions about the team’s preparation and tactical choices. That substitution felt emblematic of a chaotic night, reflecting larger problems.
The gritty draw with Liverpool, though, offered a glimpse of fighting spirit and earned some credit for resilience, even if the overall form is inconsistent. Moments like that can offer managers breathing room in tough times.
Still, supporters crave clarity and a long-term vision. Tottenham has shifted its direction multiple times in recent years, and the fans want a coherent plan moving forward. Tudor now has a clear chance to reinforce his authority and bring some order against a tough Atletico side.
Even if overcoming the deficit proves elusive, Spurs supporters will be looking for signs of organisation, determination, and a stronger team identity. That might be the most valuable takeaway from the clash.
UCL DRAW 2026 LAST 16: PREMIER LEAGUE GIANTS FACE BRUTAL DRAW IN QUEST FOR EUROPEAN GLORY 2026
The Champions League draw is out! Read the full list of fixtures, including Man City vs Real Madrid and Newcastle’s trip to Barcelona.
Manchester City will go head-to-head with Real Madrid in what’s easily the standout fixture of this season’s Champions League round of 16.
UEFA stuck to the same process as last year’s new format, running the draws for the last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals all on the same day in Nyon, Switzerland.
There’s still plenty of English interest left in the competition. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Man City all made it through, which pretty much guarantees the Premier League an extra Champions League spot next season thanks to the UEFA coefficient.
With the seeding and pairing rules, each of the 16 teams already knew they’d be facing one of just two possible opponents in the next round.
Liverpool and Tottenham ended up in the same section of the bracket. No surprise, since they finished third and fourth in their groups.
Arsenal, who topped their group, drew Bayern Munich. Manchester City got Sporting Lisbon, and Chelsea lined up against Barcelona.
After Newcastle’s play-off win over Qarabag, they were slotted into their section of the bracket.
Now that the draw’s done, here’s what’s coming up: Chelsea will take on defending champions PSG, and Newcastle will get Barcelona.
Real Madrid against Manchester City is the pick of the bunch, two giants going toe-to-toe.
Liverpool will face Galatasaray, while Tottenham will meet Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to play either Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta – a tricky tie either way.
Here’s the full Champions League last 16 draw for 2025/26:
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting
Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
Newcastle vs Barcelona
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
And for the Europa League quarter-finals:
Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea vs Galatasaray/Liverpool
Real Madrid/Manchester City vs Atalanta/Bayern Munich
Newcastle/Barcelona vs Tottenham/Atletico Madrid
Bodø/Glimt/Sporting vs Bayer Leverkusen/Arsenal
The Europa League semi-finals shape up like this:
Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea/Galatasaray/Liverpool vs Real Madrid/Manchester City/Atalanta/Bayern Munich
Newcastle/Barcelona/Tottenham/Atletico Madrid vs Bodo/Glimt/Sporting/Bayer Leverkusen/Arsenal
As for the dates, here’s what you need to know:
Round of 16: March 10/11 & 17/18, 2026
Quarter-finals: April 7/8 & 14/15, 2026
Semi-finals: April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026
Final: May 30, 2026, in Budapest
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