A third win in Manchester City’s so far perfect defence is the latest clue Pep Guardiola’s team may emulate Real Madrid and become the second club to retain this title in the Champions League era.
After his criticism of the Wankdorf’s artificial surface the City manager’s charges performed well enough. If they did not reduce the Swiss champions to bystanders, as City can many sides, victory is the perfect warm-up for Sunday’s challenge: the 191st Manchester derby.