City have been dealt another tough draw in the Champions League group stages, but should still be able to qualify for the knock-out stages for the fourth consecutive year. The Blues have been drawn against Spanish champions Barcelona, as well as Borussia Mönchengladbach and Scottish league winners Celtic in group C.
Twitter: Group C: Barcelona, Man. City, Mönchengladbach, Celtic
#UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague)
One of those teams came to Manchester last season, when City were drawn against Gladbach at the same stage. Manuel Pellegrini’s team earned a 2-1 win in Germany with Sergio Aguero netting a late penalty after a Martin Demichelis equaliser, while Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Bony had to come to the rescue in the home game, scoring three times between them in the last 11 minutes for a 4-2 victory.
Barcelona have also had trips to Manchester in recent seasons, in consecutive years in 2014 and 2015. The Catalonian side were drawn against City in the round of 16, and triumphed in both legs in each tie, 4-1 in 2014 and 3-1 12 months later. It will represent only the second time Pep Guardiola has faced Barcelona since leaving them in 2012. He last faced them with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the 2014-15 Champions League, with Luis Enrique’s Barça winning 5-3 over two legs.
City have no competitive history against Celtic, but The Blues will recognise Patrick Roberts, on loan in Glasgow. The winger is able to play in the group games against City, due to an agreement in his loan deal.
The dates of all six fixtures are to be announced on Friday.
