Man City slump to 2-0 loss against Juventus in Champions League

Manchester City fell to a crushing 2-0 defeat against Juventus in Matchday 6 of the Champions League on Thursday (AEDT) in Turin.

Goalless at the break, the hosts took the lead eight minutes after the restart when Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic connected with Kenan Yildiz’s cross to score a thumping header.

As the Premier League champions pushed numbers forward in a desperate attempt to restore parity, the visitors found themselves exposed, with American international Weston McKennie scoring a stunning volley after some impressive work by Juve midfielder Timothy Weah.

Defeat at the Juventus Stadium means Pep Guardiola’s men — who lifted the European Cup during the 2022-23 campaign — risk being eliminated in the league phase, as the Citizens sit in 22nd in the 36-team format.

City will have everything to play for in their final two games against Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge.

The loss further deepens Guardiola’s woes, leaving the Spaniard with more questions than answers.

“Of course, I question myself in the good moments and the bad moments,” the Man City boss said.

“I was stable in the good moments and I’m stable in the bad moments.

“Of course, I try to find a way and do it but the game was there.”

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Juve sit 14th in the standings with 11 points and will be in high spirits as they close out the league phase with games against Brugge and Benfica.

Speaking after the match, Juventus manager Thiago Motta hailed his side for remaining disciplined throughout.

“Tonight we had to do a lot of things well, especially with regards to compactness and concentration,” he said.

“We defended well, without conceding space, and struck at key moments.

“It was a great performance from everyone.”

Juve will host bottom-placed Venezia this Sunday, and Serie A bookmakers are paying $1.33 for the Old Lady to win.

Meanwhile, top bookie Marantelli Bet is paying $1.60 for City to beat United ($5) in the Manchester derby in EPL Matchweek 16.

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