Following their 0-2 defeat to Man Utd in the Premier League last weekend, coach Guardiola admitted Man City lacked energy and spirit. However, against Bodo/Glimt, his team had not overcome this weakness. They played poorly, conceded three early goals, and received a red card. Rayan Cherki's consolation goal was the only positive for the 2023 Champions League winners against an opponent outside the top 24.

Compared to the starting lineup against Man Utd, Guardiola made four changes. However, Man City remained helpless against a counter-attacking opponent. Rayan Ait-Nouri consistently struggled against a dense defense, Phil Foden and Cherki found no space to attack, and Erling Haaland was completely neutralized.

Hogh headed to open the scoring in Bodo/Glimt's 3-1 victory over Man City in the seventh round of the Champions League group stage on the evening of 20/1. *Reuters*

Bodo/Glimt not only defended resolutely but also launched effective attacks. In the 22nd minute, after pressing into the penalty area, Ole Blomberg crossed to the far post for Kasper Hogh to head in the opening goal.

Two minutes after the first goal, Man City conceded another quick goal. Center-back Max Alleyne made an error, allowing Blomberg to cross for Hogh to double the lead. Hogh even nearly completed a hat-trick, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a save in the 30th minute.

After conceding two early goals, Man City remained lackluster. They increased pressure but failed to trouble goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt continued with quality counter-attacks. In the 58th minute, Jens Hauge made a run from midfield, found space near the edge of the penalty area, and then struck a beautiful right-footed shot over Donnarumma to make it 3-0.

Goalkeeper Donnarumma stunned after conceding a goal in Bodo/Glimt's 3-1 victory over Man City in the seventh round of the Champions League group stage on the evening of 20/1. *Reuters*

Two minutes later, Man City pulled one goal back. From Nico O'Reilly's tackle, Cherki volleyed to reduce the deficit to 1-3. However, instead of playing calmly to seek a comeback, Man City squandered their chance to earn points. Midfielder Rodri committed two fouls within two minutes, received two yellow cards, and was sent off. Playing with 10 men against 11, Man City almost conceded again. Hauge missed an opportunity to make it 4-1 when his shot hit the crossbar, while Hogh had a goal disallowed for offside.

The defeat to Bodo/Glimt left Man City with only 13 points after seven rounds, missing the chance to secure early qualification for the round of 16 with one match to spare. To salvage their objective, Guardiola's side must defeat Galatasaray in their final match. Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt secured their first group stage victory, moving up to 26th place with 6 points after seven matches. The Norwegian team still has a chance to enter the top 24, which guarantees a playoff spot, if they defeat Atletico in their final match.

Thanh Quy