'While City remain in the Champions League, they will have hope'

For the umpteenth time in a season that has proved to be far from what was expected for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola looked to be going through the full range of emotions as his team eventually hauled themselves out of the elimination places and into the Round of 16.

But now they are there, who would count against them going much further in the competition? Even with the prospect of a blockbuster play-off tie against either the holders Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, with the first leg being played in Manchester.

There is a long history of clubs winning the Champions League when their hopes of landing their domestic title have long fallen by the wayside. In 2005, Rafa Benitez's famous Liverpool team's victory came after they finished fifth in the Premier League.

Chelsea ended sixth when they won the Champions League for the first time in 2012, and fourth when Thomas Tuchel's team beat Manchester City in the Porto Final of 2021.

And even last season, Borussia Dortmund went all the way to the Wembley Final but could only finish fifth in the Bundesliga.

Manchester City would need better fortune with injuries in the second half of the season and Rodri won't be returning for months yet. But for City, while they are still alive in the Champions League there will remain hope they might be able to win it for the second time in three seasons.