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Berbatov: Manchester City's shock Lyon defeat no fluke, the Champions League is 'a different beast'

Dimitar Berbatov is a Betfair ambassador
Dimitar Berbatov is a Betfair ambassador

Former Tottenham star Dimitar Berbatov reckons Manchester City’s defeat to Lyon was no fluke due to the strength of the Champions League.

Berbatov, who starred in some fine European nights with Manchester United, was speaking after Pep Guardiola’s men fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to the Ligue 1 side.

And although the prolific Bulgarian was surprised by the defeat, he believes that it is no coincidence that the Cityzens have lost four consecutive matches in club football’s elite competition.

AS IT HAPPENED: Man City 1 Lyon 2

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He told Betfair: “I was very surprised to see Manchester City losing at home to Lyon. It goes to show that even a team full of superstars and experience can fall down if they are not on their game.

“Most people thought City had a relatively easy group, but you can’t underestimate even the so called ‘weak’ teams in the Champions League.

“City are a very strong Premier League outfit but the Champions League is a different animal – the stat going around about them losing four in a row now (Lyon, Liverpool twice, Basel) just highlights that.


“Pep Guardiola not being on the touchline will have been a factor here. That’s no reflection on Mikel Arteta, but not having the manager there can make things difficult – small details can play a big part in football matches, especially at the highest level.

“The owners at City are obsessed with winning the Champions League so this isn’t a good start but I’m still very confident they will qualify for the knockout stages.”