Manchester City have become a Champions League mainstay over the last decade and are aiming to lift the famous trophy for a second time in 2024/25.
Pep Guardiola finally fulfilled his ambition to win the Champions League again when he guided Manchester City to their first triumph in 2023.
The Blues edged past Inter 1-0 in a closely contested final in Istanbul to not only become European champions but to complete a historic treble as well.
City came up short against old foes Real Madrid in their bid to retain the trophy last season but have dusted themselves off for the brand-new format.
Though City want to bring the Champions League back to the Etihad Stadium, their home actually can’t be addressed by its proper name during European fixtures. Here’s why.
Why the Etihad Stadium is called the City of Manchester Stadium during Champions League games
During Champions League fixtures, the Etihad Stadium will be referred to as the ‘City of Manchester Stadium’, which may be confusing to some fans.
This is because of strict UEFA regulations surrounding stadium sponsors, which enforce a change of name if the ground features a commercial entity in its title.
As a result, the Etiahd returns to its former name of the City of Manchester Stadium, while Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium becomes the Arsenal Stadium.
The Etihad was originally called the City of Manchester Stadium before construction began and was also referred to as Eastlands. Its name wasn’t changed until July 2011.
UEFA do allow the stadiums to be referred to as their official name, regardless of whether it includes a sponsor, on Champions League-affiliated prints – like match tickets – to ensure there is no confusion for attending fans and to differentiate the ground from others.
However, there are rules over the use of commercial typeface and colour.
This will be the case for all of City’s games in the Champions League this season, their four home league games and any knock-out legs.
Which games do Man City have at the Etihad Stadium in the 2024/25 Champions League?
City have four home games in the first stage of the new Champions League format, an increase from the three they had in the old group stage.
From 2024/25 onwards, all 36 sides – up from 32 – in the competition are placed in a single league table and play eight fixtures in the opening league phase.
However, each fixture will be against a unique opponent and they won’t be travelling to face the sides who visit the Etihad.
City kicked off their campaign at home to Inter in a goalless draw and have three more home games to go, including Wednesday’s fixture against Sparta Prague.
Man City vs Inter – 18/9/2024
Man City vs Sparta Prague – 22/20/2024
Man City vs Feyenoord – 26/11/2024
Man City vs Club Brugge – 29/1/2024
In another change from yesteryear, the first phase will now not end until January, rather than December, so City have even longer to wait before they can look at the knockout stages.
