"According to Pep Guardiola, Manchester City is perceived as a longshot in the Champions League"
Manchester City are heading into their Champions League opener against Napoli with high spirits, following their impressive 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United in the derby on Sunday. This triumph marks City's fourth consecutive win in all competitions, having also defeated Sassuolo, Cagliari, and Fiorentina in their first three Serie A games.
The victory over United served as a perfect response to the back-to-back Premier League defeats City suffered against Tottenham and Brighton before the international break. Antonio Conte's men are making a strong case for defending their Serie A title, demonstrating a formidable start to the season.
However, City's journey does not end here. The upcoming clash with Napoli promises to be a stern test, as they aim to make their mark in the 2025-26 Champions League. Despite being ranked as the fourth favourites to win the tournament, City are eager to prove the bookmakers wrong.
Currently, Liverpool and Barcelona are the top favourites to lift the Champions League trophy, with odds of around 7.00. Manchester City find themselves behind the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich in the odds. Nonetheless, City will be looking to use this underdog status as motivation to upset the favourites and secure a place among Europe's elite.
As City prepare to face Napoli, the focus is on maintaining their impressive form and overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. The upcoming match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to make their mark in the Champions League. The stage is set for an enthralling clash between two of Europe's best teams, and City will be hoping to continue their winning streak and secure a valuable three points.
