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Roberto Mancini Thinks Manchester City’s Champions League Dream ‘Is Over,’ Spreads Blame for European Struggles

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admitted Wednesday that his team has no chance of qualifying for the next round of the UEFA Champions League after its 2-2 draw against Ajax.

“Unfortunately, we added just one point and now I think the Champions League is over,” said the coach, referring to his team’s chances to occupy one of the two places that give access to the knockout stage.

Placed in the “group of death” along with Real Madrid, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City has just two points in four matches, making it doubtful the team could even reach the third position, which gives access to the UEFA Europe League.

Mathematically, the Citizens still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League if they beat Real Madrid in Manchester and the Germans in Dortmund, but then must wait for the Dutch to fall in Germany and achieve at least a point at the Bernabeu (against Real Madrid).

“If we win these two games I think our destiny is to win the Champions League,” Mancini joked about his team’s choices.

UEFA, meanwhile, confirmed Wednesday that the Italian coach will not be punished for his behavior after the game Tuesday, when he protested to the referee for disallowing a Sergio Aguero goal for being offside with three minutes left in the match, which would have given the victory to the Citizens.

“It was a goal. The referee and his assistants were very bad. I told the referee, it was a goal, congratulations. I’m not the first nor the last [to say it]. In soccer, this happens,” said Mancini, who also criticized his team for the loss.

“I think we scored three goals, he added, but the problem is we conceded two stupid goals from two corners. You cannot do that in a game like this. We had many opportunities, but it may not be our moment in the Champions League. Maybe Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are better than us and even Ajax too. “

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