The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 commences today with the following fixtures billed to open the tournament, FC Copenhagen facing off against Manchester City and R.B Leipzig clashing with Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged striker Erling Haaland to remain positive, even when not scoring, ahead of their UEFA Champions League game against Copenhagen on today.

Guardiola commented on Haaland’s body language during the win over Everton but stressed that the young player needs to be nurtured in their club amidst his potential and talent.

Guardiola’s team is bidding to retain the Champions League trophy, and they are one of two teams that have won all six group-stage games, along with Real Madrid. Under the club’s management, the belief in the squad has grown stronger after becoming champions of Europe in the last season.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid has backed the team to cope without Jude Bellingham, who suffered a sprained ankle and is expected to be absent for around three weeks.

Among others, midfielder Toni Kroos has yet to decide whether to renew his contract at the club beyond this summer and return to the German national team for the Euros.

In the Champions League era, only seven teams have achieved the treble of domestic league, domestic cup, and the Champions League, but none of them have backed it up by repeating the feat in successive seasons.

Guardiola’s team faced a weak field last year, but this season, there is no emerging team to take City’s throne. Nevertheless, the Premier League champions’ domestic challenge is likely to be the toughest and the one that will ultimately bring them down.

Guardiola might be right in downplaying their treble chances, but Liverpool, standing in City’s way in the Premier League and FA Cup, might deny their aspirations.