"It was ALWAYS going to be Real Madrid": reaction to Manchester City's Champions League draw

Alex James is joined by Chief Manchester City writer Simon Bajkowski to review City's 1-1 draw against West Ham. They look back at Haaland's inconsistent 2026, the thunderbolt to the face for Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Pep Guardiola's side hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League with a huge deficit to overturn. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid and where that leaves Man City ahead of the trip to West Ham. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Alex James react to Manchester City's "flat" 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, and discuss how inconsistency could cost Pep Guardiola's side the Premier League title. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski react to Manchester City's 1-0 win at Leeds United, moving Pep Guardiola's side to two points behind league leaders Arsenal. They discuss the potential of City's young squad and injury updates for Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Alex James react to the "very, very, very, very tricky" Champions League draw, pitting Manchester City against Real Madrid once again. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex James and Simon Bajkowski review Manchester City's 2-1 win against Newcastle United, bolstering their title hopes. They praise Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland for their versatility across the pitch, and the electric atmosphere building at the Etihad with the title race in action. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on Arsenal dropping points, preview Newcastle United and delve into ticketing problems at Manchester City. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on City’s lacklustre 2-0 win over Salford City in the FA Cup as well as James Trafford’s comments regarding his future at the club and the situation he finds himself in. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Jack Flintham reflect on City’s 3-0 victory over Fulham, the gap to Arsenal being cut to four points and look ahead to the FA Cup fourth round tie vs Salford City. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Bajkowski and Alex James review Manchester City's 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield. Once again, the officiating was called to question, and Simon questions the role of VAR - and how it is communicated to fans at the ground and on the television. They also discuss how the dramatic win can give City momentum against Arsenal in the title race, and the stars that shined at Anfield, including Pep favourite Bernardo Silva. -- EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/talkingcity Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee. ❓ Have you got a question for our City writers at the Manchester Evening News? Submit them here: ⁠https://forms.gle/zAzTcjpZ6SVUiTzC6⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices