While the usual European suspects struggle to find their grip in Champions League this season, Manchester City has emerged as one of the early favorites for its first UCL title after years of failing to make it past the quarterfinals.
The compressed season and lasting impact of the pandemic have turned this season into a war of attrition, especially on the domestic front, which has suited Pep Guardiola's side just fine given that City have enough world-class players to form two first teams.
Manchester City put that class on full display in the first leg of its round of 16 fixture against Borussia Mönchengladbach by cruising to a 2-0 victory thanks to away goals from Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus.