Why this Champions League campaign feels very different for Manchester City

For Manchester City, this Champions League season feels markedly different. A guilty verdict in a Premier League charges case, a verdict that they profited from over £900m in disguised, illegitimate funding, and accusations that their contracts and achievements are akin to a "sham," have all contributed to a cloud of uncertainty.

Manager Enzo Maresca describes the situation as "noise" that his players have successfully ignored on the pitch. However, fans find it tougher to shrug off, given the additional layer of complexity. While opposition fans can openly call City cheats, Maresca's players remain undeterred, viewing criticism as part of building a resilient spirit.

Capping off a dominant start in the Premier League, with a 100% record and two away wins, City is set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. PSG, previously defeated by City in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, could provide a litmus test for City's progress. The financial backing of Middle Eastern owners and heavy spending have fueled City's rise, but these actions have also sparked controversy and potential sanctions.

City's Champions League future hangs in the balance, not just due to their on-field performance but also the looming threat of sanctions that could see them expelled. The team's focus now is on fighting on the pitch, confident in their club's ability to navigate the storm.