Good night from me 💙

So, our place in the last 16 of the Champions League is assured, Phil Foden weighs in with another wonderful goal, Sergio and Fernandinho are back in the fray along with Benjamin Mendy and there was a Champions League debut for Tommy Doyle.

All in all, that's what I call a result!

Many thanks for your company tonight.

Do join us again on Saturday when we resume Premier League action at home to Burnley.

Until then stay safe and look out for each other..

Pep's praise for City

A moving tribute from the boss...

Our official verdict on tonight's win...

Pep: Diego was unique

"His impact in world football, the love and the joy, I was not with him in the locker room (at Barcelona), but all the people who were express his generosity and how he thought of them to make football better. On the pitch he was unique. Once in a generation. It is sad news. 

Pep's tribute to Diego Maradona

"There was a banner in Argentina one year ago that I read, that said ‘no matter what you have done wth your life Diego, what matters is what you have done for our lives. He gave a lot of joy and he made football better."

More from the boss...👇🏻

"Our central defenders were outstanding. John Stones, it is not easy when you have not played for a long time and alongside Ruben. Everyone was so committed. Now we recover as good as possible and start to focus on the Premier League.'

Pep's verdict...

 "We made an incredible group stage, especially our two games away. Te second half against Porto and the first half against Olympiakos. We will see tonight the result of Marseille and Porto.

"We made an incredible performance. Unfortunately we could only score one goal, but the team is alive."

'I'm sure the goals will soon be flying in'

Richard Dunne: "I think the expectations are sky high and the forward players aren’t really getting a run of games, like Aguero and Jesus, who have struggled with injuries. I’m sure once they’re fully fit the goals will be flying in! "

'Now we can relax'

Paul Dickov: "For City, four games played and 12 points is fantastic, we can relax for the next two games.

"They’ll still want to win the group but it’s a good chance to rest players in the next couple of games.
 

It had to be...

More from Phil...👇🏻

"We haven't had the best results in the league but it’s good to see we’re doing well in the Champions League.

"We need to work on scoring more goals in games, but we created the chances and hopefully we can finish more in the coming games.
 

Job done, says Foden

"I think this result means we qualify, which is really important for this club. Fair play to them for fighting in the second half and made it hard for us but we got the job done."
 

Positives aplenty

Into the Champions League last 16, and another win on the road, four wins out of four in Europe, a brilliant goal from Phil Foden, a clean sheet, Sergio and Ferna back in the fray and a Champions League debut for Tommy Doyle.

Like the look of all that!!

Sweet 16 for City...1️⃣6️⃣

Not a thriller by any stretch of the imagination but a wonderful goal from Phil Foden was enough to seal the deal.

We'll take that!!

Full time

That's it.

Job done we are through to the last 16!!

Ouch...

Cisse clatters into Dias's ribs.

He's all arms and shoulders. Ruben will feel that tomorrow

Olympiakos shot.

Fortounis fires in a volley but it goes wide of the post.

It did make Ederson scamper. 

Let's tighten it up lads.

Stat attack...📈

22 attempts for City, 11 on target so far.

Olympiakos no shots on or off target and no corners.

Think you would call that one sided.

Aaarghh...

Now Bernardo sends an effort wide of the post.

He latches onto a diagonal pass from Foden but drills his low shot just inches wide of the post.

Nearly two!!

Another sumptuous City attack ends with an inviting Cancelo cross to the waiting Foden at the far post.

This time however Phil's effort is off target.

So close again...

More delicate build up play sees Bernardo denied with a clever flick after Sterling's cross from the right ricocheted back from the Portuguese man's initial shot.

Changes afoot?

No changes as yet from City.

Wonder if Pep will make a switch?

Another chance

More great work from City and a give and go sees Cancelo shoot on sight but Sa denies him once again.

Penalty shout

Jesus is sent sprawling in the box from Semedo but nothing happening from the ref.

Save..

Now Sa is called into action once again to gather a Cancelo drive.

Dozing off

Maybe just as well that no Olympiakos fans are here.

What they have seen from the home side so far would have sent them to sleep!

Aaarghh...

Close. Another sublime cross by Mendy but Sterling can't quite get the ball under control in the centre of the box.

More great work by the Frenchman.

Big Ben

Among the highlights tonight has been the display of Benjamin Mendy.

For his first game back after a long lay off, the full back has been terrific

Offside...

Now its Cancelo's turn to ping in a shot. Its deflected by Jesus in the centre of the box and dribbles wide.

The forward was offside however.

Another foul

They don't leave any prisoners this Olympiakos side.

Foden is brought down and then whips in a superb free kick which the hosts clear.

Could be a few bruises for our lads tomorrow.

Big chance!

Olympiakos fail to clear their lines from another City attack.

Foden's shot is blocked and falls to Gundogan on the edge of the box but he drills his effort inches wide of the target.

So close to two!

Close!

Some nifty footwork from Stones as he effortlessly brings the ball out from the back.

City motor forward and Bernardo shoots from 20 yards and the keeper gathers.

No entry

Olympiakos look to venture forward but Ruben Dias is an immovable object and the brief danger has passed.

Back underway 💙

We are back in action in Athens.

Let's finish the job lads!

Superstar in the making

Paul Dickov on Phil Foden: 'He fits in so well and has done for a while. He’s going to be a superstar. His finish was quality. His movement from the right side has caused problems, he’s been outstanding. Every time, he leaves an impact.'

Bench press ? 💙

If we could get that second goal Pep had options aplenty on the bench of course, not least with Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho both waiting in the wings.

Not a bad couple of reserves!!!

Lucky omen? 🤞

I do like this stat.

City have never lost a game in which Phil Foden has scored.

Let's keep that run going lads!

Paul Dickov's half-time review

"I think from Pep Guardiola’s view, we’ll need a second goal and then getting minutes for Aguero or Fernandinho. Olympiakos have no out ball, and they don’t seem to want an out ball.

"They look like a team with no ambition, which is slightly disappointing. You would have thought they’d have had more of a go."
 

Richard Dunne's half-time verdict

"It’s been a really good performance, it’ll please the manager how we’ve been able to press in the first half.

"City are so quick at coming back at them and it seems to painful to play against. You can see that as they’re trying to provoke a reaction from someone towards the end of the half."
 

Half time 💙

So far, so good.

Phil Foden's brilliant strike sends us in with the crucial lead at the break.

No less than we deserve.

Seconds out...

Olympiakos are surely going to have be more positive now.

Hopefully that could open up more space and allow us to kick on and get that crucial second goal.

Yellow cards

Sterling and Rafinha each go into the book after a little spat.

Handbags at dawn type of stuff to be honest.

That is magnificent!

Oh yes! That was worth the wait.

Brilliant interchange of play ends with Sterling backheeling from the left edge of the box and the ball finds the waiting Foden and Phil finishes with aplomb from close range.

Simple to watch but so, so skillful and tricky to execute.

A treat for the eyes

Chance

Great save by Sa denies Jesus.

The Brazilian for once got in behind the Olympiakos defence arrowed in on goal and drilled in a shot but the keeper blocked with his legs.

Ouch...

Rodrigo after taking a blow to the face from Camara.

Don't think there was anything malicious but the Spaniard felt it.

Fortuntately he is back up on his feet.

Not this time...

It's Foden who takes the initiative. He whips in a curling cross but it is to high for Dias.

Ouch...

Jesus is brought down on the edge of the box as he powers into the centre of the box.

Tasty position for a free-kick. Time for Gundo?

Game of patience...

For all our dominance we still haven't fully opened up the hosts' defence.

Just need to find that key final ball.

Too strong...

Gundogan pings in a crossfield ball aiming for Cancelo on the overlap but the German's touch is too heavy.

Wide...

A great block by Cancelo sets up another City forward raid..

Gundogan prompts and the ball reaches Foden who turns inside but sends his low shot wide of the target.

By the left

A lot of our best work is coming down the left flank. Mendy, Sterling and Foden seeing plenty of the ball already.

Now Jesus looks to direct a header on goal but can't get enough purchase on it.

Pressre...

City's work-rate and pressing is forcing error upon error from Olympiakos.

We look in fine fettle so far.

Close!

Brilliant work by Phil Foden. He weaves is way through a maze of bodies and fizzes in a low drive but Jose Sa gathers the ball.

City applying the pressure already here.

Leading man 💪

With KDB having a well earned rest Raheem Sterling has been handed the captain's armband again tonight. A leader and an inspiration in every sense.

In the zone

City dominating possession already. Moving the ball at ease trying to open up space and time

Up and over...

Now Mendy whips in a cross from the left but Bernardo Silva can't keep his header down.

City already on the front foot through.

Not too shabby... ⚽️

A real belter of a drive from 25 yards by Rodrigo but it flies straight at Olympiakos keeper Jose Sa

Welcome back!!!! 👌

A few early touches for Benjamin Mendy. Great to see him back out on the pitch.

Kick-off 💙

We are underway in Athens.

Let's do this lads!

Remembering Diego 💙

A moving minute's silence for the great man.

Minute's silence for Maradona

There will understandably be a minute's silence before kick-off in honour of Diego Maradona.

Five minutes and counting...⏱

Almost time to get underway in Athens.

Let's get the job done lads

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

Three days of mourning in Argentina

It's a sign of Maradona's status in his homeland that the Argentine president has declared three days of national mourning following his passing.

Icon doesn't begin to cover it.

Pep's pre-match thoughts...👇

"It's a new game, new players. Everyone is ready.

"Kevin (De Bruyne) and Kyle (Walker) are fatigued as they have had so many games. It's good for them to take some time off."

Stat attack (part three)...📈

Excluding qualifiers, Olympiakos haven't won any of their last four home games against English opponents in European competition (D2 L2) - they will be looking for their first such victory since February 2014, when they beat Manchester United 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League.

El Mago's salute...

'Cancelo one of our players of the season so far'

More from Paul Dickov: "Ruben Dias has been exceptional since he came and Joao Cancelo, for me, has been one of our players of the season so far, whether he has started right-back or left-back."

Paul, again, absolutely spot on with his assessment.

Stat attack (part two)...📈

City have the highest passes per sequence average (6.2) of any team in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Indeed, the goal with the most passes in the build-up this term was scored by Pep Guardiola's side against Marseille last month (26 passes for Raheem Sterling's goal)

Paul Dickov on Gundo and Bernardo...

"He [Gundogan] seems to be the go to man in the Champions League. He plays a lot and scored a wonderful free-kick earlier this season.

"It is going to be interesting to see whether Bernardo plays in front of them [Rodrigo and Gundogan] or whether Phil Foden goes in there and Bernardo comes out wide.

"Bernardo Silva is one of everyone’s favourite players. He does everything with a smile on his face, whether it is on or off the pitch and he’s got real quality as well."

'A lot of joy this season'

Richard Dunne on our UCL campaign to date: "This is where we have got a lot of joy this season.

"The goals have flowed really well in the Champions League and tonight’s another opportunity to put the weekend behind and move forward and try and find that rhythm where we are scoring goals again freely."

Maradona was a genius

Ferran's focus

All around the world... 🌍

Last time out against Olympiakos... 🏆

Zabba pays tribute to Maradona...

Reporting for duty...🙋‍♂️

Dickov: Great to see Mendy back

Paul Dickov: "It's great to see Benjamin Mendy back in the side and looking at the line up I am feeling very confident tonight."

Absent friends 💙

Again of course there will be no fans present this evening and its such a shame as Olympiakos's ground would have been a cauldron of noise with more than 60,000 fans present in Piraeus.

Can't wait for fans to be back in earnest.

Ferran's fizzing 👊

Ferran Torres has scored in each of his first three UEFA Champions League appearances for City, and could become only the third player to score in four consecutive games for the club in the competition, after Sergio Agüero (in March 2019) and Raheem Sterling (in November 2017).

What a start he has made to life at the Club!

TUNE IN 📺

Out latest edition of We're Not Really Here is upon us.

Richard Dunne and Paul Dickov are the guests with host Natalie Paweleck and Kyle Walker (the presenter not the player!).

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..

Never forgotten...

Positive Pep...

The boss was in great form at yesterday's press conference:

"We have an important chance to almost qualify. That's so good, to be in the best 16 teams in Europe.

"I expected a reaction after last season when we finished against Lyon in Portugal. We know what we have to do.

"The season is still young and I'm fully optimistic we are going to do a good season."

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

A legend of the game

RIP Diego Maradona

Away from tonight's game, terrible news is breaking that Diego Maradona - one of football's true all-time greats, has passed away at the age of 60.

Absolutely awful news. 

Here's how we line up tonight... ⚽️

Stat attack...📈

Olympiakos have only won one of their last eight games against English teams in European competition (D3 L4), with that lone victory coming against Arsenal back in February (2-1 in the UEFA Europa League).

Looks familiar 👀

Of course, we locked horns with Olympiakos just three weeks ago back at the Etihad.

Though we ran out 3-0 victors that night, the Greeks put up a more than decent showing and will present another formidable challenge this evening.

It's been a while...

This will be City's first away game against a Greek opponent since February 2011, when they drew 0-0 with Aris in the UEFA Europa League under Roberto Mancini.

Who gets your vote to start?

A true legend

Awesome foursome...

Elsewhere tonight...

While we are involved in the early kick-off, our other rivals in Group C Marseille and Porto will meet in southern France. That one kicks-off at 8pm with Porto currently second in the table with six points and Marseille yet to get off the mark.

Pep's pre-match thoughts 💬

The four tops?

City will be looking to win our opening four group stage games in a UEFA Champions League campaign for the second time under Pep Guardiola, having previously done so back in 2017-18.

Talking of Ferna... 💪

Early team pointers 📋

 We'll find out our starting XI in about 40 minutes time, but here is what we know already:

🔹 Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy could be in contention after returning to training following their injury lay-offs.

🔹 Nathan Ake is still sidelined but the boss is hopeful he won't be out for too much longer.

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!

Pointing the way... ⬇️

Thanks to our superb form so far in Europe, a draw tonight will be enough to guarantee our place in the last 16.

A fourth successive victory would all but secure top spot too so there is no lack of incentive for Pep Guardiola and his players.

Weather watch...⚠️⚠️⚠️

Listening brief...

If you’re unable to watch the game, or prefer a City focused approach to your match commentary, Alistair Mann will be describing the action as it unfolds alongside former City midfielder Michael Brown on CITY+.

Subscribers can tune in from 17:50 (UK).

Greetings! 👋

A very good afternoon!

And a warm welcome to the Matchday Centre for Manchester City’s fourth Champions League group stage game as we tackle Greek champions Olympiakos.

The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraues, Athens is the venue for tonight’s encounter, where City will look to make it four wins out of four in Group C. 

Kick-off is at 17:55 (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! 💙

The Boss addresses the press

The world is watching

Olympiakos and City: Player links

• Have played together:
Ahmed Hassan & Ederson (Rio Ave 2012–15)
Pêpê & Rúben Dias (Benfica B, 2015–17)
José Holebas & Nathan Aké (Watford, 2015/16)
Rúben Semedo & Rodri (Villarreal, 2017/18)
Mathieu Valbuena & Benjamin Mendy (Marseille, 2013/14)

• Rúben Vinagre was at Monaco between 2015 and 2017, when Mendy and Bernardo Silva were also on the Ligue 1 side's books.

• International team-mates:
José Sá, Rúben Semedo & Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Bernardo Silva (Portugal)

• Fernandinho and Rafinha played together for Brazil between 2011 and 2017.

Watch the boys limber up

Mr Suave

Ferran Torres

“We have had a few injuries to our strikers - but we are scoring goals, just not as many as we would like.

“We have faced difficult opponents but we are working hard to sort it out and I am sure the goals will arrive.

“(For me) Playing as a striker is not my natural position but I am comfortable there."

Triplets

We have scored three goals in each of our Group C games so far, opening with a 3-1 home defeat of Porto before 3-0 wins at Marseille and at home to Olympiacos. 

Not too shabby. 

Tough one!

Pep [on selecting his team]

"Everyone is fit except Nathan.  

"It depends on the player's performance on the pitch, if they will play more regularly.  

"It depends on how they perform. If they don't perform well, there is a chance they can be replaced."

Pep

"I have incredible full respect for Olympiakos. I know they struggle with injuries but they remain a team to win every game.   

"I have a lot of respect. I am more concerned about what we have to do as a team to win another game."

Tonight's 23-man squad