They need their stars to stand up.
On Tuesday, Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden combined to give Manchester City a narrow lead over Atleti Madrid in the first leg of their European Quarter-Final.
The analysis centered around Foden, who came on in the second half and immediately created the goal, which was scored by the Belgium international.
It came when the 21-year-old showed quick feet and slipped the ball between the legs of Reinildo and into the path of De Bruyne to coolly slot into the corner.
He came off the bench and caused havoc.
99% of players come off the bench and don't do anything, but the ones who have the desire and concentration are the ones who decide the match.
Phil has a special quality that can change the game. His space in the first steps is huge and he was able to make an assist to Kevin.
Phil was brilliant, we knew it from the beginning. When the game was flat, we needed to change it.
City were frustrated by a well-organised and resolute Atleti backline until the introduction of England international Foden.
They only had one shot at the target by that point. In a cagey affair, Ederson was in complete control of the contest.
The game was changed by Foden's skills to set up De Bruyne.
It was his seventh assist in the competition, which was more than any other English club in the competition.
Dion Dublin said on Radio 5 Live that Foden came on and played like he was in a playground.
He is always positive and looking forward. The sky blue shirts made runs when he came on.
It all came from Foden's vision, his pass and his quality.
Owen Hargreaves, a former Manchester United and City player, said that Phil can do it as a false nine. He is special in a number of positions.
Phil is the most unique footballer around and he is still at the beginning of his development.
Foden has 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions and has strengthened his case to start on Sunday against Liverpool, a match that could decide the title.
Despite his tender age, he has already won three premier league titles, one FA cup, four Carabao cups and been a losing finalist in the European Championship with England.
Joleon Lescott said that Phil had to start on Sunday because he had to impact the big games.
I know what he means to the club. If he continues at this rate, he will be the best English player of all time with two trophies a season.
His mentality sets him apart. If you compare him to someone like Wayne Rooney, you can see that they are hurt when they don't win. He is obsessive. He needs to do what I do.
We had to remove the balls from the hotel because he wanted to improve all the time.
He doesn't do it for the praise, he does it because he loves it.
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