Part 2/7:
Manager Pep Guardiola addressed the media ahead of the match, maintaining his trademark composure despite the weight of the occasion. Observers noted that Guardiola does not typically display nerves, which was evident in his focus on the opportunity the match presents rather than potential pitfalls.
Ben Ransom, the reporter on the scene, highlighted that the match carries significant implications not merely for the immediate season but also for the financial landscape of the club. If Manchester City fails to advance past the group stages, they risk losing out on approximately £20 million in potential prize money — a substantial sum given the high stakes of elite football.