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We saw it happen last season, and it can’t happen again for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Manchester City suffered defeat at this stage of the Champions League last year, crashing out at the quarter-final stage to Liverpool after a calamitous first leg.
The Reds were fantastic on the day, racing into a 3-0 lead before half-time in front of a raucous Anfield atmosphere, which looked to visibly unsettle the Citizens.
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Whilst Tottenham aren’t as renowned for creating an intimidating atmosphere as Liverpool are, this evening’s quarter-final tie is set to be only the second game held in Spurs’ new stadium, and the first Champions League night there.
The first game against Crystal Palace saw the home fans create a party atmosphere as they won 2-0, and if the 62,000 inside the new White Hart Lane can raise the decibels around north London and inspire their players, City could be in for a tough night.
Guardiola’s men are still in with a shot at winning the quadruple, which, whilst it is a commendable position to be in, is sure to cause fatigue for some players – the reigning Premier League champions played as recently as Saturday in a tough FA Cup semi-final against Brighton, in which they only scraped a 1-0 win.
A lot of Mauricio Pochettino’s star players have spoken of their excitement at playing in the new stadium, and if Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Heung-min Son and Christian Eriksen are all on song, we may see a repeat of last season’s quarter-final failure for City.
They are also notorious for underperforming in Europe’s greatest club competition in recent seasons, failing to replicate their swashbuckling domestic displays.
What Guardiola’s side must do is ensure that they focus on the game, and not the occasion.
They must not get sucked into what is sure to be a vociferous atmosphere, and at the very least, need to stay in the tie for the second leg where they will be much more comfortable at the Etihad Stadium.
