Janice R. Andrews
Manchester City has etched their name in Champions League history by achieving an unprecedented 26-match unbeaten run, surpassing their city rivals Manchester United’s previous record of 25 games. The milestone came through an emphatic 5-0 win against Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Phil Foden finding the net in the third minute. The scoring continued as Erling Haaland contributed two goals, while John Stones and Matheus Nunes, the latter converting from the penalty spot, completed the commanding victory. This result strengthened City’s grip on their group, accumulating seven points from three matches.
This remarkable unbeaten sequence stretches back to the 2021-22 campaign, when Real Madrid last defeated them in a Champions League semi-final. Notably, their penalty shootout setback against Madrid in the previous season doesn’t impact the streak, as the match officially ended 1-1 after extra time.
City’s achievement surpasses other European giants, including Bayern Munich, who held a 19-match unbeaten run between 2019 and 2021. The record underscores both Pep Guardiola’s tactical excellence and the team’s sustained excellence in European competition.
While City shifts their attention to Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton in pursuit of a fifth straight domestic title, Guardiola has indicated that European success remains his primary goal. The Spanish manager has recently minimized the importance of another league championship, suggesting his heart is set on Champions League glory.
This historic accomplishment further solidifies Manchester City’s position among Europe’s elite clubs. As they continue their impressive form, supporters are watching eagerly to see how far this unbeaten run can extend, with the team showing no signs of slowing down in their quest for European dominance.
