Good night from me 💙

All in all a very good's night work I think we'd all agree.

Another three goals, another clean sheet, the return of Gabriel Jesus and more Ferran Torres magic.

Even the sun is due to shine despite the looming onset of lockdown 2.

What say we do it all again on Sunday when the focus switches to the Premier League and the small matter of the visit of Liverpool!

Thanks as always for your company and take care.

More from the boss...👇🏻

"We are happy the team how they are, it's good news for Gabriel - in general it was a real solid performance.

"Nathan and John were really good and I'm delighted for John's performance it was really good.

"We need everyone. All the players who play are top players."

Pep's verdict...

"Exceptional first half - second half we struggled for some moments but when we scored the second the game was over.

"Three games, nine points and one more point to qualify is good.

Positives aplenty

Michael Brown: "Zinchenko, Ake and Stones coped really well. It was an assured performance from all three and they did what they needed to do. It’s more strength in depth for Pep and another clean sheet. The team is getting tighter."
 

Gift of the Gab 💙

Here's our full-time verdict

'On cloud nine'

Michael Brown: "The substitutions were key, it just freshened it up a bit. Jesus with a wonderful finish to secure the result. Nobody seems to be injured so that’s important. Nine points from three games is a fantastic return."

Sitting pretty...

In the night's other Group C game, Porto beat Marseille 3-0 in Portugal.

It means just a point in Greece in a fortnight will see us through to the last 16

More from Gab J

Gabriel Jesus: "It was a good ball and a great play by the team. Kevin found me and I think it was an amazing finish. I made it hard for the keeper and I’m getting better at my finishing."
 

Gabriel's verdict...

"It's so good to be back. I was so unhappy when I was injured.

"I worked a lot to recover as quickly as possible to be back on the pitch helping my team mates.

"I'm so happy to come back and score a goal!"

'Great to have Jesus back'

SWP: "It’s great to have Jesus back. He shows you what we’ve missed, it was only half a chance. At that time that he scored, it was an important time to relieve some of the pressure off us."
 

Full time

All over and a solid night's work from City.

Ferran Torres, Gabriel Jesus and Joao Cancelo all on target.

Nine points from nine - result!

Three is the magic number 3️⃣

Three Champions League group games, three goals in each match.

Like that symmetry!!

By the left

Nmecha with the assist and Cancelo blasts home from outside the box with his left foot.

Get in!!

On cloud nine

No doubt we have merited the win - but Olympaikos gave us a few worrying moments but its all turned out alright on the night in the end.

It will be three wins from three in Group C and nine points.

Seriously impressive.

Almost three...

Gab J denied a second by Semedo from Bernardo's cross

Welcome back!!!! 👌

So, so good to see Gab J back.

He's made an instant difference and that goal was just something else.

Sheer class.

What a goal!!!

That's what we wanted. What a goal!!!

De Bruyne with the assist (who else) and Gab J drifts in from the right - the angle looks too acute but the Brazilian's shot is superb and rifles into the roof of the net.

That's more like it!!

Another scare

Bruma makes a nuisance of himself again and Walker and De Bruyne are on hand to deflect his shot behind for a corner.

Denied again...

De Bruyne finds Jesus with an inviting ball on the left of the box. The Brazilian tried to weave his way between two defenders but the shot is blocked.

Just lacking that end product at the mo.

Olympiakos change

Camara off and Masouras on

Off radar

City sweep forward again after a superb Rodrigo pass and several passes later De Bruyne unleashes a powerful shot but it's off target.

Sudden and welcome step up in intensity though.

Almost an instant impact...

Great flick from Jesus sets up Torres on the right, the winger whips in a cross and Jesus almost profits but Sa gathers at the second attempt.

Encouraging sign.

Gift of the Gab?

I wonder if Gab J may get a run out soon?

Hmmmm

Another Olympiakos attack and substitute Bruma sends his effort curling just wide.

He has already made an impact for the visitors though.

Save..

Ederson s called into action for the first time and produces a fine save to deny El-Arabi's snap shot.

Better..

Some patient build up play ends with Gundogan letting fly from 25 yards but the effort is overcooked.

Encouraging though.

Another warning

Olympiakos threaten again.

Zinchenko is dispossesed and Camara's dangerous cross is just cut out.

Another warning.

Huge let off!!

Oh my goodness.

We've got away with one there.

Phil Foden attempts a back pass from Ederson's ball but gets it all wrong and Valbeuena misses from just eight yards - thanks in no small measure to good work by Stones.

Phew. Need that second goal.

Not this time...

City sweep forward once again and the ball eventually falls to Gundogan but his curling shot is blocked on the edge of the box.

Aaargh...

Another City interception sees Mahrez tee up Foden but the youngster's shot is not powerful enough to really test Sa.

Warning sign

Now Camara meets a second Olympiakos corner with a dangerous header but its deflected clear off Stones.

Time to step it up.

Oooff

Torres is clattered into by Cisse but fortunately he looks OK

Second half...💙

We are back underway at the Etihad. Come on, City!!

Elsewhere tonight...

In the other Group C game this evening, Porto are 2-0 up at home to Marseille.

'Not much needs changing'

 SWP: "We don’t have to change much. We’ve been solid and patient, and made some good chances. It’s just the fine detail, other than that, not much needs changing."
 

'Torres didn't disappoint'

Michael Brown: "It was a confident display. The talk was all about Torres and he didn’t disappoint. There’s been good slick passing and the shape has been good. The tempo has been impressive."
 

Half time 💙

Ferran Torres' early strike sends us in deservedly ahead.

Just unfortunate we haven't been able to add to the lead but so far, so good.

Save..

City break again and Foden's cross is cut out by the Olympiakos keeper with several City players waiting in the box.

Too strong...

Now Zinchenko just overhits a through ball to Foden.

City have just eased off the intensity these past few minutes and the visitors look a tad more comfortable.

No dice

Valbuena falls under an Ake challenge in the box but he was offside anyway. Ref not impressed.

VAR confirms offside call

VAR check confirms that Raz was a fraction off as he converted Mahrez's cross home from close range.

Shame.

No power

City win the ball back yet again ( a theme so far) and more patent build up play sees the ball eventually find Torres but the young Spaniard can't get any proper purchase on his header

Not this time...

Nice work from Stones and Foden tees up Sterling who tries his luck from 25 yards on the left but Jose Sa easily gathers his effort.

Overhit...

A rarity... an overhit pass from Phil Foden evades Riyad Mahrez and goes out for a throw in.

Space men

Torres was waiting again as Foden sought space on the left but his cross is intercepted.

On another night Ferran could have had two or three goals already this evening.

Handyman

Olympiakos keeper Sa is then called into action to deny De Bruyne.

No doubt which of the two keepers has been the busier.

Nearly...

Its only a brief respite mind.

Raheem Sterling races upfield and only a last ditch block stops his cross reaching the onrushing Torres.

Head boy

Ederson is called into action as he comes out to head clear from a rare Olympiakos forward foray.

Penalty shout

Mahrez goes tumbling in the box under the challenge of Rafinha but the referee is not having any of it.

Forward march...

City laying virtual siege to the Olympiakos goal. You feel there are more goals to come.

And possibly sooner rather than later.

Up for the Cup!! 🏆

We already look in the mood.

Could be a long old night for the visitors.

Fabulous Ferran

Already absolutely love Ferran Torres.

What a talent, And just 20 remember!!

No less than we deserved!

De Bruyne with the cute assist, Torres races on to the ball and coolly waits before dispatching the ball home.

What a start!!

Mix up!!

Some communication errors at the bac from Olympiakos almost put City in again before the visitors keeper gathers the ball.

All one way traffic  at the moment.

Off the line!!

That would have been special!! Brilliant back-heel flick from Torres is goal bound but the Greeks clear the ball off the line.

What a goal that would have been!!

Nearly...

Great work by Kyle Walker on the right, a fine cross and its another City corner.

Warming to the task...💪

Foden again finds a fraction of space on the left and his inviting cross is diverted for a corner.

Early sighter

Phil Foden races on to an inviting through ball and fizzes in a cross/shot which just flies over the bar.

Just getting his radar adjusted!

Kick-off 💙

 We are underway at the Etihad. Come on City!!

Almost ready...💙

Not long now. The teams are about to take to the field.

Looking forward to this...

ICYMI here's how we line up tonight...

Screen setter... 📸

'Kyle's a top leader'

Taylor Harwood-Bellis on Kyle Walker: "He’s a top leader, you can tell when you first walk in.

"He is the life and soul of the changing room, him and Stonesy always having a laugh. He’s someone I look up to and want to be like him when I get older."
 

'It's about winning silverware'

Alex Greenwood on the women’s UCL: "For me, speaking with the girls everyday, it’s definitely about winning silverware.

"For me personally, it’s all about winning the Champions League. It’s the best thing I’ve ever achieved and with the players we’ve got, there’s no reason why we can’t go on to win it.

"We need that belief and winning trophies, like Sunday, instills that winning mentality.
 

Bittersweet

It's such a shame that fans are currently unable to attend games though we know the compelling safety reasons why.

Having been in Greece not so long ago, I can confirm that the Olympiakos fans were both hugely excited about the thought of facing City but also very sad about not being able to visit Manchester.

Top Tune 📺

I know I may be bit a bit biased but We're Not Really Here is such a great watch for every City fan.

There have been some amazing insights from all of tonight's guests. 

You almost don't want the match to start so you can carry on listening to them!

'I am buzzing!' 🏆

Alex Greenwood: "Absolutely buzzing [after Sunday's FA Cup win). I am still trying to let it all sink in. We enjoyed the win and we celebrated, rightly so. But this morning, it was back to the job again and we have to focus on the league and Continental Cup.
 

SWP: So much more to come from Torres

I think it's fair to say SWP is already impressed with Ferran Torres:

"For a winger, he shows a unique calmness around the goal.

"I feel like some wingers rush or panic, but he has the striker mentality to take his time and breathe before taking the shot. I think there’s so much more to come from him.

"He has everything to fulfil the potential that everyone knows he has."
 

More from Pep on the return of Gabriel Jesus...

"It’s good to have this option. Gabriel is not ready to play 90 minutes, he can play a few maybe, we will see. "

Pep's pre-match thoughts 💬

"We need everyone. I need them all fit, there are an incredible amount of games and we decided this is the best 11 for today.

"There are still four games left (in the group) so we know how important today’s game is. We need to be patient but at the same time also have some rhythm."
 

Important update...

Some fascinating thoughts from Nathan Ake...

Bulgaria calling...

Players have helped me develop - Harwood-Bellis

 Taylor on the help and advice of his City colleagues...

"When I played my first ever game in pre-season with Aymeric Laporte, he was talking to me all game, helping me with my passing, how to be better.

"In training as well, Nico (Otamendi), they were all helpful for me, always helping me to learn. I felt comfortable going in, they were very welcoming, they all said hello and they’re all proper nice guys. They’ve made me grow as a player and a person."
 

Over to you George...

Back in business 💙

Michael Brown: "It’s great to see John Stones back, we know how good he is. He’ll be delighted to be back in the team and to push on for a place again."
 

'Biggest game in my career'

 More from Taylor...

"People will say I’ve played in the first team but for me in my academy career, that (the FA Youth Cup final) was the biggest game for me."

Losing was not an option!

Taylor Harwood-Bellis on our FA Youth Cup win: "I'm buzzing for the lads, it was a long time coming. It was a massive win, losing was not an option. Even when 1-0 down we knew we’re not losing this match and kept on going.

"It makes a massive difference to have beaten that Chelsea team who have won it so many times. It gives us a boost going into next year. We think we’ve got more confidence going into it now."
 

Reporting for duty...🙋‍♂️

Stat attack (part three)...📈

Only Barcelona (39) and FC Porto (33) have conceded more away Champions League goals in England than Olympiakos (29), whose ratio of 2.9 goals conceded per visit (10 in total) is the highest of the 10 teams to have played 10+ away games in England.

Let's go!! 🏆

Elsewhere tonight...

Already action elsewhere this evening.

In the two early kick-offs, Lokomotiv Moscow and Atletico Madrid are level pegging at 1--1 at half time while Borussia Moenchengladbach at 4-0 to the good away at Shakhtar Donetsk after the first 45 minutes.

Five minutes and counting before you tune in...⏱

Here's how our visitors line up tonight 📋

Special K

Since the start of the 2017-18 season, only Kylian Mbappe (15) has made more assists than City's Kevin de Bruyne (12) in the Champions League.

Not too shabby.

Strength to endure...💪

Team news and tactics...📃

Gift of the Gab 💙

And it's great to see Gabriel Jesus back on the bench.

Think he's going to be such an important figure for us this season.

High fives!! 5️⃣

So five changes from the side that won 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

John Stones, Nathan Ake, Oleks Zinchenko, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden all come in to start.

Show the sheer quality of our squad!

Here's how we line up tonight... ⚽️

All around the world... 🌍

Pep's pre-match thoughts...👇

"You cannot make a false step in the Champions League because after that you struggle. We have an incredible opportunity to make a huge step to qualify for the next round."

Wembley wonders... 💙

Stat attack (part two)...📈

City winger Ferran Torres is looking to become the third-youngest player in Champions League history to score in four consecutive appearances (20y 248d), behind only Kylian Mbappe (18y 120d) and Erling Braut Haaland (19y 107d).

Mum's the word Sara!

This was absolute quality... 💙

Action stations... 👍

It's been a punishing run of games for City this past few weeks - and there is the small matter of Sunday's huge Premier League clash with Liverpool before we head into the November international break.

But Pep's players look to be clicking into gear at just the right time. Saturday's win at Sheffield United was the latest evidence of our consistency and belief and was the perfect way to round off three successive away games.

Back on home soil tonight, let's hope we can step it up once again.

Stat attack...📈

Olympiakos have lost 14 of their 16 away major European matches in England, though they have won two of their last four visits, both against Arsenal in September 2015 and February 2020.

Georgios says we are ready to kick on in Europe 💪

Says it all... 💙

Early team pointers 📋

We'll find out our starting XI in just under 30 minutes time, but here is what we know already:

🔹 Gabriel Jesus could be in contention after returning to training while Nathan Ake is also available again.

🔹 Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho, and Benjamin Mendy are all set to miss out due to injury.

Team thoughts ❓

Sitting pretty...

 It is first versus third in Group C this evening, in what is our first ever meeting with Olympiakos.

We’re top of the table after our 3-0 win at Marseille, whilst our Greek visitors travel here on the back of a 2-0 loss at Porto after having beaten Marseille on Matchday One.. 

However, as Pep Guardiola said in yesterday's press conference every Champions League game is a tough test and tonight will be no different.

True Blue...

Up for the Cups!! 🏆

Of course, it has already been a magnificent few days for City.

Saturday's vital 1-0 Premier League win at Sheffield United was then followed by two pieces of silverware over successive days.

First up, our women's side secured the 2019/20 FA Cup in thrilling fashion at Wembley, beating Everton 3-1 after extra time.

Twenty four hours later our Under-18s followed suit as they overcame Chelsea 3-2 in a dramatic match to win the FA Youth Cup final.

Another victory tonight would set the seal on what has been a fabulous few days for everyone at City.

Weather watch...⚠️⚠️⚠️

Absent friends 💙

It's your shout 📱

Along with the views of our special guests on We're Not Really Here this evening, don't forget that we also want to hear your thoughts.

Are you feeling confident? Who would you start? How would you approach it?

As always, you can get in touch on Twitter using the hashtag #WNRH and let us know your views!

Read all about it...📰

TUNE IN 📺

Of course, matchday means another edition of our must-watch We're Not  Really Here show.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Michael Brown are the guests on We’re Not Really Here, with host Cel Spelllman.

And as an extra treat, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Alex Greenwood will also be in the studio to reflect on a memorable few days for the Club which has seen us win the FA Women's Cup and FA Youth Cup in successive days.

They’ll be discussing all things City before kick-off and providing analysis at half-time and full-time.

The pre-match show will be available to watch at the top of this page from 19:00 (UK) and during the game there will be live commentary and footage of fans around the world.

Greetings! 👋

Good evening!

And welcome to the Matchday Centre for Manchester City’s third Champions League group stage game as we tackle Olympiakos.

The Etihad is the venue for tonight’s encounter, where City will look to make it three wins out of three in Group C. 

Kick-off is at 20:00 (UK) and I will be with your from here throughout the night to bring you all the pre-match build-up, in game updates and post-match reactions. 

Can we get maintain our winning ways? Here's hoping!

COME ON, CITY! 💙

🚨 JUST IN 🚨

Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Alex Greenwood will join our We’re Not Really Here panel for tonight’s pre-match live show. 

The pair have both had their hands on silverware in what’s been a fine few days for Manchester City Football Club. 

Harwood-Bellis played in Monday night’s FA Youth Cup final win over Chelsea that ensured we won the trophy for the third time in our history. 

And on Sunday, Greenwood played a key role as we won the Women’s FA Cup for the second successive season. 

Both players – and both trophies – will be in the studio alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Brown and our host Cel Spellman. 

Join us right here from 7pm!

Fine run of form

What a week it's been for Manchester City Football Club. 

We beat Sheffield United on Saturday in a hard-fought Premier League, before Gareth Taylor's side lifted the Women's FA Cup on Sunday with victory over Everton at Wembley. 

And then last night it was the turn of the U18s to impress as they beat Chelsea 3-2 to lift the FA Youth Cup, having beaten Blackburn in the semi-finals on Friday evening. 

Can we add another win to the list tonight and move tantalisingly close to qualification for the last-16? 

We'll be back later with minute-by-minute coverage of the big game from the Etihad. 

We're Not Realty Here LIVE show

Michael Brown and Shaun Wright-Phillips will be with us for the We’re Not Really Here matchday show.

The pair will join Cel Spellman in the studio to provide their expert analysis.

 We’re Not Really Here begins one hour before kick-off at 7pm (UK), when Brown and Wright-Phillips will be discussing all things City to get you in the mood for the game. 

And it's available right here alongside minute-by-minute text updates. 

Pep and Ake on tonight's game

Tonight's officials

Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP) 

Assistant referees: Juan Carlos Yuste (ESP), Roberto Alonso Fernandez (ESP) 

Video Assistant Referee: José María Sánchez (ESP) 

Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez (ESP) 

Fourth official: José Luis Munuera Montero (ESP) 

UEFA delegate: Boris Stankov (BUL) 

UEFA referee observer: Stefano Podeschi (SMR)

Olympiakos have a few former English-based stars

Andreas Bouchalakis (Nottingham Forest 2017/18 loan) 

Hilal Soudani ((Nottingham Forest 2018/19) 

Yann M'Vila (Sunderland 2015/16 loan) 

Rúben Vinagre (Wolves 2017–20)

Best midfielder in the world?

Samaras believes City head in right UCL direction

“The Club is going in the right direction with the players they have brought in over the last few years and under Pep’s leadership.

“The only thing needed is that extra detail to get into the semi-finals and then into the final - but City are learning and every year it is more experience and another lesson."

FA Youth Cup winners!