Manchester City Advances in Champions League, Awaits Last-16 Draw
Manchester City secured their place in the Champions League last 16 on January 28, 2026, with a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki ensured City finished eighth in the league phase, avoiding the play-off round.
City’s Path to the Last 16
The journey to the last 16 wasn’t straightforward for Pep Guardiola’s side. Surprise defeats to Bayer Leverkusen and Bodo/Glimt earlier in the league phase meant City needed a win against Galatasaray and favorable results elsewhere to progress directly to the knockout stages. The win against Galatasaray lifted them to a final position of eighth in the league phase, with 16 points.
What Awaits Manchester City in the Last 16?
Finishing eighth in the league phase means Manchester City will face either the winners of the knockout phase play-off between the ninth and tenth seeds, or the 23rd and 24th seeds. The draw for the last 16 will accept place on Friday, February 27, 2026. The first leg of the ties will be played on March 10 or March 11, with the return fixtures a week later.
Potential Opponent: Real Madrid
Should Real Madrid progress, they could face Manchester City in a tenth meeting between the two sides since the 2021-22 season. If this scenario unfolds, Manchester City would host the second leg at the Etihad Stadium shortly before the Carabao Cup final.
Guardiola Reaches Milestone
The victory over Galatasaray marked Pep Guardiola’s 400th win as Manchester City manager, achieved in just 569 matches mancity.com.
Injury Concerns
Despite the positive result, City suffered an injury to Jérémy Doku during the match, adding to their growing list of unavailable players. Doku had created both goals before being forced off in the 36th minute after a collision with Galatasaray’s Davinson Sanchez mancity.com.
Match Details
- Manchester City 2 – 0 Galatasaray
- Date: January 28, 2026
- Competition: 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, League Phase
- Goals: Erling Haaland (10′), Rayan Cherki (29′)