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Manchester City: England’s worst in Champions League history

roberto mancini

Manchester City’s 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night ensured they picked up the fewest points amongst English sides in the Champions League group stage in the 21-year history of the tournament since it rebranded in 1992.

Roberto Mancini’s side picked up just 3 points, failing to win any of their 6 group games against Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Ajax.

The lowest points tally eclipses Blackburn Rovers’ woeful effort in 1995/96 when then-manager Ray Harford could only muster 4 points against the Champions of Russia, Poland and Norway.

City’s task seemed a lot harder in comparison, facing the champions of Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. However, neither of those three sides are looking particularly impressive domestically. For Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund their title defences are already starting to slip away as early as December.

All 3 of Manchester City’s points came in draws at home. After losing late on 3-2 in Madrid, City relied on a late Mario Balotelli penalty to earn an undeserved 1-1 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund. Mancini’s side then threw away a lead to lose 3-1 in Amsterdam before being held 2-2 on their own patch against the Dutch side. Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero scored goals to pull City back from a 0-2 deficit but they were unable to find a winner.

Last month’s 1-1 draw at home to Real Madrid saw the English champions eliminated from the group stage for a second consecutive season and setting a new low points score amongst English sides. Manchester City managed 10 points in last season’s tournament, but finished behind Bayern Munich and Napoli in the group stage before being eliminated by Sporting Club in the Europa League round of 16.

Mancini’s side have managed just 3 wins from 12 Champions League group games over two seasons.

Manchester City dropped to 3 points behind league leaders Manchester United over the weekend in the Premier League after they were held 1-1 at home to Everton whilst their title rivals beat Reading 4-3.

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