Manchester City is currently facing a very real risk of falling out of the top-eight bracket in the new UEFA Champions League format, which would force them into a precarious two-legged knockout play-off round to reach the last 16.
This concern follows a recent dip in form, highlighted by the defeat to Juventus mentioned in the club’s financial accounts.
Despite finishing the six-game portion of the League Phase with 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) and a positive goal difference, they are clustered tightly with several other top clubs. Based on the current league table after six games, Manchester City sits in 4th place.
However, they are tied on points with both Paris Saint-Germain (3rd) and Atalanta (5th), and are only a single point ahead of Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Liverpool, who are all tied at 12 points.
Under the new format for the 2024/2025 season, only the top eight teams in the single league table automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams finishing from 9th to 24th must compete in a highly pressured play-off round.
With two crucial games remaining in the League Phase (one away to Bodø/Glimt and one home against Galatasaray), City must secure strong results to ensure they stay in the top eight and avoid the play-off lottery.
