(Football news) Manchester City are still searching for their first ever UCL title. The last two seasons under Pep Guardiola is where they have come closest. In 2020/21, the blues lost the final against Chelsea and last season they lost the semi final against Real Madrid after conceding two last minute goals. This season they will want to go all the way and win it for the first time. City's journey starts with the match against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. City have had a bumpy start to the season as they lost the Community Shield final and have already drawn 2 Premier League games including their last one against Aston Villa.
Sevilla on the other hand are having a torrid time this season. Last year they finished 3rd in La Liga ahead of Atletico Madrid but this season they have started the campaign with 1 draw and 3 losses. Sevilla's last match was a 3-0 loss against Barcelona. Julen Lopetegui's job is on the line and only a win or draw against City will earn him some more time. Manchester City will be without Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Kyle Walker while Manuel Akanji could make his debut. Sevilla on the other hand are still without Jesus Corona while the availability of Marcao, Karim Rekik and Adnan Januzaj is doubtful.
The biggest and most exciting clash of the group stage is between PSG and Juventus. The two teams will lock horns at the Parc de Princess. Juventus have had an underwhelming start to the season with 3 draws and 2 wins in the Serie A. PSG on the other hand are flying 5 wins and a hard fought draw. PSG are still searching for their first European triumph while Juventus haven't won the trophy since 1996. Julian Draxler and Timothee Pembele are the only two players missing for PSG while Juventus will be without Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Wojciech Szczesny, Marley Ake, Kaio Jorge and Federico Chiesa. The Bianconeri are facing a lot of injury issues.
The two matches between these two giants is likely to decide who finishes at the top of the table. Both these clubs have come very close to winning the UCL in the recent past but haven't managed to get the job done. PSG will be under new management of Christophe Galtier this season. Juventus on the other hand are under Massimiliano Allegri who has seen it all with the club. The first match of the tournament is often not an accurate indication of things to come but it can help set the tone for the rest of the competition.
Also read: Defending champions Real Madrid travel to Celtic; Salzburg host Milan
