We are capable of winning the Champions League, but it is not a must, comes from Manchester City. Will Sporting defy fate?

Last year’s Champions League finalist Manchester City are again among the hot favourites for the competition this year. Their first obstacle in the eighth round will be Sporting Lisbon.

Last year, the Citizens reached the Champions League final for the first time in their history, knocking out Borussia Mönchendgladbach, Borussia Dortmund and PSG. But Manchester City failed to make the final step, losing 0-1 to Chelsea.

Now comes the next attempt as Pep Guardiola’s charges begin their quest for the dream trophy in the eighth round against Sporting Lisbon. The attractive Portuguese team is a clear underdog at first glance, but it can certainly surprise.

They finished second in the group behind Ajax, knocking out Borussia Dortmund 3-1 at home. The defending champions are second in the league, six points behind leaders Porto. Manchester City have a comfortable nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League, so they can focus more on the millionaire competition.

“Finishing better than last year is not easy. We are excited and happy to be at this stage. I know how important the Champions League is, but we take all Premier League games seriously. Our confidence is always high, not just now but in previous seasons as well,” said Citizens coach Pep Guardiola in his pre-match conference.

One of Manchester City’s best players this season, João Cancelo, spoke in a similar vein. He will play against his compatriots in the eighth round.

“Winning the Champions League is not an obligation, you play against the best players and teams. We are capable of doing it, but it’s not an obligation. We have to be aware of it, we have top players. It’s good that people are putting us under pressure, it’s a sign that they think we are capable of winning the competition. We know we are capable of it, but it’s not an obligation,” said the Portuguese fullback.

The duel is scheduled for Tuesday at 9pm. The two teams have only met three times in their history, the last time in the 2011/12 season in the Europa League eighth-finals. Sporting won 1-0 at home and lost 2-3 away to advance to the quarter-finals. The very first clash in the 2010 summer training camp was won by Sporting 1:0.

Source: Livesport, UEFA