Good night from me

So it was a heartbreaking night in Lisbon - but we'll be back.

Thanks as always for your company this evening and throughout the season.

Stay safe - and we'll see you all again soon in September 

We will be be back - Pep

 "Now we go on holidays. We are going back soon. We need to lift the club again. I know once with Manuel (Pellegrini) we arrive in the semi-finals. One day we will break that gap."

More from the boss...👇🏻

"I don't want to talk about the circumstances (regarding the VAR call for Lyon's second goal). It looks like I am complaining or finding causes. We are out.

"I had the feeling we were ready but we make mistakes. That's why we are out."

Pep's verdict...

 "It is what it is. One day we will break the gap to the semi-finals. The second half was okay, we were there, I had the feeling we were better, but you have to be perfect in this competition and we didn't."

More from KDB...

 "The game was open, but they didn't really create too many chances. We need to learn - it’s not good enough. That’s it. 

"I think in the second half we created enough to score enough goals. That's the difference scoring and not scoring. We didn't do that today. 

"It’s time to go home. It’s been a long season. I need to get home because my wife is expecting any moment. I have something to focus on personally. But yes, it’s hard."

KDB's verdict

"The first half was not good enough but second half we played really well. We had couple of chances but 3-1 ends the game.

"It's a shame to go out this way.

"I've no idea about the VAR decision - whatever they decide they decide. I'm not going to blame that - we should have done better.

"The second half we played well. We had them under pressure.

"Even at 2-1 if Raz scores its 2-2 but that's football. It's fine margins."

Ifs and buts...

Can't change it now but looking at Lyon's second goal it looked for all the world as if Aymeric Laporte was impeded.

VAR however decided otherwise.

What is it about VAR, City and the Champions League?

Another Silva milestone

A sad farewell

It's also not the way that David Silva would have wanted to end his City career.

Merlin has been magnificent for 10 years - he if anyone deserved to be a Champions League winner but it was not to be.

But his enormous contribution to the Club will never, ever be forgotten.

Knockout football

Pep spoke of the unique nature of this seasons Champions League and the sudden death nature of the knockout stages proved that.

There were no second chances and Lyon looked to seize the moment.

If the tie had been had over two legs who knows what would have happened.

Sadly that is question we will never know the answer to.

Heartbreaker

Tonight's also a reminder that players are human too. For some reason we just weren't quite at our normal flowing best tonight.

Credit too to Lyon. They proved just why they had knocked out Juventus in the last 16.

Fine margins

Sport at the highest level is all about fine margins. We've got another reminder of the that tonight but its a tough one to take.

Full-time

City 1-3 Lyon. 

Gutted. 

Close!

Corner comes in, Walker meets it with his head and it goes just wide of the post. 

Save

Free-kick on the left. De Bruyne whips it towards goal but Lopes tips it over. 

Turning point

Sterling misses from a few yards and seconds later Lyon grab a third. 

Unreal few seconds. 

Unbelievable chance

Sterling has missed from a few yards out, goal at his mercy.

That was a big moment. 

Controversial goal

The ball was played through - Ekambi was in an offside position but he let it go. Laporte and Dembele tangled and the Lyon striker came away with it and finished past Ederson. 

Given

The goal is given. Lyon lead 2-1. 

Big, big chance

City well on top now. Sterling floats a ball to the back post, Jesus tries a volley but doesn't make good contact. 

That was a huge chance. 

Speculative

Jesus tries a half-volley from 25 yards but miscues and it goes well wide. 

Sterling display

So glad Sterling played a key role in our goal. 

He's been our sharpest player tonight. 

What a talisman he is for us. 

CHANCE

Jesus with a powerful effort - saved by Lopes. 

GREAT PLAY FROM JESUS. 

Penalty claim

Cornet goes down inside the area with Walker for company but the ref waves play on. 

Not even a VAR check. 

First-time finish

Sterling skins Denayer and rolls the ball back to De Bruyne, who sidefoots home first-time from the edge of the area. 

YES

Get in

We needed that!!!!!!

GOAL

DE BRUYNNNEEEEE SCORESSSSSSS

Denayer denies

De Bruyne strikes one from the edge of the area after a swift move from front to back - but former City man Denayer makes the block. 

No dice

De Bruyne struck it - but it goes over the bar. 

Free kick

Free-kick in a great position after Jesus was brought down just outside the box. 

Filho booked. This is De bruyne's range. 

Comfortable stop

Marcal with an effort from distance - saved by Ederson. 

Come on, City!

Every time they lose the ball. Lyon immediately get back into a good shape. 

It's difficult to break that kind of side down but we have the players to do it. 

Come on, City! 

Up the ante

We're seeing plenty of the ball, but we're not moving it with our usual speed and intensity. 

Who will be the spark to light the blue touchpaper? 

Save

De Bruyne's dipping free-kick saved by Lopes. 

Lyon well organised

City with plenty of other options on the bench - Foden, Silva, Bernardo. And with De Bruyne and Sterling out there, we can create something from nothing. 

But we need something soon. An hour gone and Lyon look very well-drilled. 

Sub

Mahrez replaced Fernandinho, who was on a booking. 

Rodri also just gone into the book for a late challenge on Guimarães.

Extra impetus required

City need to find an extra gear. Too slow and predictable at the moment. 

Changes afoot?

Mahrez is preparing to come on. 

Safety first

Corner for Lyon but De Bruyne clears the danger.

Back underway 💙

Biggest second half of the season coming up.

COME. ON. CITY...

True to ourselves...

Pep urged City to be ourselves in yesterday's press conference.

The next 45 minutes would be the perfect time to demonstrate that.

Where's there's a will...

Don't forget. City often make the habit of doing things the hard way.

But never, ever lose faith in this group of players.

If any side can find a way it's Pep players...

Bench press ? 💙

Plenty of options on the bench don't forget. The likes of Phil Foden, David Silva and Bernardo Silva could all have a big role to play.

Half time

A frustrating first 45 minutes with Lyon 1-0 to the good through Maxwel Cornet's goal.

But much better work in the final 10 minutes there. Let;s step it up after the break.

Getting closer...

Lopes and Cornet combine to deny Stering after a quite brilliant De Bruyne through ball.

You feel we're getting a real feel for the game now.

Denied again...

Now De Bruyne tries his luck with another long range free-kick but Lopes proves equal to the task.

Not this time...

De Bruyne whips in a free kick but Lyon keeper Lopes punches clear.

Time to respond...

If we didn't know it before we do know. 

This will be toughest of tests. Ekambi is a real menace up front.

Still plenty of time though. Let;'s provide a response.

Goal given

Not the start we wanted. Long through ball found Toko Ekambi and though Garcia blocked his effort, Cornet showed composure to curl home the rebound past Edrerson from outside the box.

Snap shot

Another warning for City after some patient build-up play by Lyon as Aouar squares the ball back but Marcelo's shot is easily gathered by Ederson.

Stop start...

Bit scrappy at the moment as  nowex-City defender Jason Denayer clatters into Gabriel Jesus.

Word of warning

Now De Bruyne is spoken to by the referee after a late challenge on Aouar. No booking though.

Gulp...

Some confident keeping from Ederson as he calmly keeps out a chested back pass from Walker.

I must admit I was worried for a moment there!

Shape shifters

Lyon lining up with three at the back as per usual. City switching between three and five with Walker and Cancelo pushing further forward.

So close...

Almost a perfect start for City. Brilliant run down the right from Sterling and he feeds Jesus but the Brazilian is denied a tap in by Marcal's clearance.

Tidy stuff...

Some good early work at the back from Garcia as Depay looks to sprint though on goal.

Kick-off 💙

We are underway in Lisbon.

Come on City!!!

Here we go...

The teams are out on the pitch. Let's do this Blues

Not long now...🕗

Five minutes and counting... cannot wait for this.

Some final pre-match stats for you...📈

Gabriel Jesus has been directly involved in more Champions League goals for Manchester City this season than any other player (9 - 6 goals & 3 assists).

A goal in this game would see the Brazilian become just the third player to score in three separate Champions League knockout matches in a single campaign for City after Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling (both in 2018/19).

ICYMI how we line up...

Razzle dazzle ⚽️

Raheem Sterling has never ended on the losing side in a Champions League game when he has scored (W14 D2).

Only six players have scored in more games without losing any of them in the competition's history (Patrick Kluivert holding the record - P25 W23 D2 L0 in games scored in).

A winning formula!!

Ilkay's warning shot

Gr-Eight!!!

Pep Guardiola will be aiming to reach his eighth Champions League semi-final which would be a joint record for a manager in the competition alongside Jose Mourinho. 

Richard Dunne on Eric Garcia

"Pep knows him better than anyone.

"He's a good character, the manager has his faith in him and he'll want to win the Champions League as much as anyone."

Aymeric Laporte's pre-match thoughts 💬

"When you play it's always a responsibility but I am happy with the pressure... I like that.

"We are confident. We know we are a great team and it's important for us to prove what we can do and how far we can go n Europe.

"We want this trophy it's a very important one and we will fight until the end."

All right on the night

A reminder that tonight is a one-off affair. No return leg.

That means we could go to extra time and even penalties.

Hopefully it won't come to that though!

SWP on Gabriel Jesus

"I was very impressed with Jesus against Real. You can see the way he has matured over the past three years. He has got better and better at doing the hard graft for the team.

"He makes sacrifices for the team but he gets goals as well."

Pep's pre-match thoughts 💬

"Lyon are so aggressive   Up front with Depay, the incredible speed and the back five are aggressive, they win duels.

"This team in Europe always make good results in the last 20 years and in knockout games they are so dangerous."

A reminder of how we got here...🙌

Semi conscious 👌

Should City progress, it would mean there will be an English representative in the semi-finals of the Champions League for a third consecutive season, the longest such run since between 2003-04 - 2008-09 (six successive campaigns).

Calling all Blues 💙

We asked... you delivered

Time check ⌚

Just over an hour until kick-off and a few minutes until We're Not Really Here goes on air.

How are we feeling Blues?

I'm on a intravenous drip of tea blended with lashings of positivity.

It's a winning combination!!

Seize the moment 💥

Impressive pedigree...

Having failed to win any of their first six Champions League games against English sides (D3 L3), Lyon remain unbeaten in their last four against such opposition (W2 D2), including a win and a draw against City in last season's group stages.

And here's how Lyon line up...

Talking tactics...

Club journalist David Clayton: "It’s hard to see anything other than a 3-5-2 formation on paper.

"Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho look likely to form a three-strong central defensive unit, giving Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo greater freedom to get forward own the flanks.

"That will leave Rodrigo as the anchor-man, with Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan behind forwards Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.

"The front pair could also drift wide and De Bruyne effectively slot in the false nine role as and when, if City are looking to tactically bamboozle Lyon."

A closer look at tonight's team news and tactics... 👀

Here's how we line up tonight... ⚽️

Watching brief...📺

More from Bernardo...👇🏻

"Everyone is fit and super motivated - we couldn’t be better to be honest.

"Beating Real Madrid gives you a boost in terms of confidence.  You don’t need motivation for these games – it’s the quarter-final of the Champions League, we are fighting for a huge thing.

"Everyone is focused to do their best and help the team. 

Cheers lads...

Stat attack (part two)...📈

Lyon are the first French side to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League since Monaco in 2016-17, while this is their first appearance at this stage of the competition since 2009-10.

The French side have progressed from just one of their four Champions League quarter-final ties - eliminating Bordeaux in 2009-10.

Blue heaven 💙

Laporte's call to arms... 🏆

Check, check...and check!!

Kyle's in the groove..🔥

Stat attack...📈

City have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for a fourth time in the last five seasons (the only exception being 2016-17); however, we have only progressed from one of their previous three quarter-final appearances, knocking out PSG in 2015-16.

Time to put that record straight hopfully.

Appointment viewing 📺

Walking distance...

More from Abi Withey out in Portugal...

"There was no pre-match training session today. Instead, the players went on a walk around the hotel resort."

They are ready!!... 💙

Team thoughts ❓

Pep's pre-match thoughts 💬

 "Anything can happen, it is a knockout game, but we are ready.

""We know Lyon quite well. They are so fast and aggressive and up front, good set-piece. Top team.

"They are in the quarter-final, we can't expect an easy game. That is not going to happen." 

Bayern waiting...

The incentive for tonight's victors will be a semi-final encounter with Bayern Munich next Wedensday evening.

The German champions produced a quite stunning display to crush Barcelona 8-2 in last night's quarter-final and will be formidable opponents.

Must admit though, the thought of a City v Bayern semi-final is incredible.

A lot of work to do before then if that is to be the case though.

All together now...💙

Zaba on the threat posed by Lyon...

Warning note...

Probably worth juts pointing out at this stage that Lyon will present a formidable test.

Any side that knocks out Juventus has to be admired and, as the boss highlighted yesterday, both RB Leipzig and Atalanta have also shown that every side here has to be afforded total respect.

Winning menu...

All players and staff have also been eating the same food at the hotel during our stay in Portugal meaning everyone has been on the same healthy diet, and eating at the same times.

(However, Abi did admit to craving for some crisps!)

The Lisbon lowdown...

Bernardo on Lyon...

"I played in France for three seasons. I know how physical the French teams are. If they are here in the quarter-final, it’s because they deserve it.

"They beat very good teams and in the last round Juventus, which in my opinion is one of the best teams in the world.

"This competition is very unpredictable. If we stay focused and do our game, and we play with intensity pressing high and going for it, then everything is going to go well."

Bernardo's buzzing 👊

Some pre-match views from Bernardo Silva, who is of course,back in his home country in Portugal.

"Everyone is so focused. The ambition levels are so high. This competition, everyone knows him important it is for us- it’s the one we haven’t we won. We want to try our best to go for it."

Loving this!... 💙

Clock watch ⌚

Don't know about you but I haven't been able to take my eyes off the clock today. To while away the time I've mowed the lawn and sorted out the washing.

Nerves can do a strange thing to you!!

Here's hoping!...🙏

Ilkay Gundogan 💬

"For me personally the Champions League has always been something very special.

“I've already played a final in 2013, but I lost with Dortmund in the last minute. I still think about that season very often and I will give my very best to repeat reaching the final again.

“But you also need a bit of luck for it - that luck what we didn't have last season against Spurs, for example.

“Playing one leg makes it even more difficult. The amount of mistakes you are able to do is the absolute minimum. There is not really room for mistakes. We should be very careful.

“It’s going to be a whole new experience. It’s going to be nearly like a World Cup.

“I think we have proven in the past that we are ready to take on these kinds of games and we will try again.

“Maybe we will need a bit of luck.”

From a commentary perspective, hoping for a little less action tonight! 😳

Aymeric Laporte 💬

“It’s always special when you play against a team from your country.

“I am excited to play against them. I remember when I scored against them last time we met. Hopefully, if I play I can do it again and we can go to the next stage.

“Lyon are like the other teams that are here - a tough side. They have a lot of good players, but we have to be focused on ourselves.

“We know they have talented players and we have to focus on the game and not concede mistakes.

“We have to fight and this is what we have to do - compete and fight until the end. We have to be ready for the fight."

🎥👀

🙌🙌🙌

We're Not Really Here 💙

Richard Dunne will make his first appearance as a guest on the We’re Not Really Here matchday show and will be joined by another much-loved past player in the form of Shaun Wright-Phillips for the quarter-final tie.

Cel Spellman and Kyle Walker are the hosts and the live pre-match show begins at 19:00 (UK), one hour before the game kicks-off in Lisbon and you can tune in via all of our digital platforms.

With Dunne and Wright-Phillips offering both their insight into the game’s talking points and recalling their own time at the Club, We’re Not Really Here is the show to watch for a City-centric build-up to the match.

They return at half-time for a summary of the opening 45 minutes and then, five minutes after full-time, our 30-minute post-match show begins when our guests will analyse the action and respond to fans’ questions and polls.

Time permitting, we will also hear a player’s reaction and from Guardiola’s post-match press conference.

For those who can’t watch the action live, a full match replay will be available on CITY+ from midnight (UK) after the game.

😂

Agree...? 🤔

Pep Guardiola 💬

“I think it’s an important moment in our careers. I would prefer to be at home, but this is a special situation.

"It is comfortable, it is nice to be here. Hopefully, we can do a good game and stay a few more days in this lovely country.

“After lockdown, the players have been incredibly focused. We accepted the deal to help our club go to the semi-final. The format is what it is. We adapted to the new protocol.

“Now we prepare for Lyon. Now is the time to be ourselves. I want to see my team be who they are, do everything with their soul and their minds and after that the football will dictate whether we deserve it or not.

"Anything can happen. It’s a different competition. It’s a knockout competition. It’s a final at every stage. We are ready to do our best performance to go through."

Early team news 📋

Sergio Aguero is ruled out, as he continues his recovery from his knee injury.

Benjamin Mendy is available again, having been suspended for the triumph over Real Madrid, while Rodrigo is also in contention, despite suffering from cramp late on in the last 16 clash against the La Liga Champions.

For Lyon, Rudi Garcia says he hopes to have a fully-fit squad, although former Blue Jason Denayer and Maxwel Cornet may require face late fitness tests. Kenny Tete (calf) has trained with the squad, while Moussa Dembele could also return.

Match preview ⬇

It's matchday! ⚽

A very good morning, City fans!

Today's the day we've all been waiting for... the quarter-finals of the Champions League!

Tonight, we face Lyon at the Estádio José Alvalade for a place in the semi-finals!

It's an 8pm BST kick-off in Lisbon, Portugal, where the one-legged knock-out stages are being hosted.

As always, we'll have all of the pre-match build-up, live commentary and post-match reaction right here in the Matchday Centre.

How are you feeling ahead of the game? Nervous? Excited? Calm? Get in touch on Twitter using #WNRH!