Champions League permutations: What Man City and PSG need to qualify

Manchester City’s surprisingly poor form has spanned all competitions.

It began with Tottenham knocking them out of the EFL Cup in October and Pep Guardiola’s side have since won just five of their 17 games in all competitions.

Coming to the Champions League, City took seven points from their opening three games but then suffered defeats to Sporting and Juventus and squandered a three-goal lead against Feyenoord to draw 3-3 at the Etihad Stadium.

City have been looking to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, although new additions will not be able to play in the league stage.

“Of course it’s a really important game for us and for PSG, but we still have another game against Bruges at home,” Guardiola said.

“I don’t know how many points we need. Six points will be mathematically (sure), but maybe four, maybe three.

“But if we don’t qualify, we have to accept that we weren’t good enough.”

Meanwhile, PSG are yet to lose in the French top flight but have failed to replicate that form in Europe – earning a paltry seven points from six games with three losses, one draw and two wins.

In the table, they are the lowest of Europe’s so-called ‘big clubs’ and currently sit in an elimination place.

Luis Enrique’s team have suffered defeats to Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid as well as a draw at home against PSV.

“The reality is that we should have won the games against PSV and Atletico,” Enrique said. “With these (extra) five points, we would already qualify for the next round.

“But I am very optimistic and confident. Is it a must-win game? The commitment is that all players give 100% and I have the same attitude every day.

“You can lose matches, and that’s life. The most important thing is to be committed.”