How many Champions League finals have Man City played in? Last time Citizens made UCL title match

Manchester City are back in the Champions League final as they face Inter Milan in a fight for European immortality.

Although the Citizens have never won the competition, they are heavy favourites to win the final against Inter. Due to their dominance throughout the season, many people aren't even giving the Italian side a chance in the game.

Julian Alvarez could join an elite list of players to win the Champions League and World Cup in the same season, but Inter's Lautaro Martinez could achieve the same feat.

The Sporting News looks at Man City's history in Champions League finals.

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How many Champions League finals have Man City played?

Man City first participated in the Champions League in the 2011/12 season. Their debut certainly did not go to plan after they were knocked out in the group stages.

Since that season, the Sky Blues have only reached the Champions League final once. Pep Guardiola led City to the final in 2021 against fellow English side Chelsea. They lost the match 1-0 despite many tipping them to win.

They have qualified twice for the semifinals, but they lost to Spanish giant Real Madrid on both occasions. Their most heartbreaking defeat came against Tottenham in the 2018/19 quarterfinals. A late Raheem Sterling winner was cancelled out by a VAR check, leaving Guardiola on his knees.

Man City in 2021 Champions League final

The Manchester club came up against Chelsea in the final, who defied all odds to get there. Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as manager and they beat Real Madrid and Atletico on their way to the finale in Porto.

Although Man City were the favourites heading into the game, Guardiola shocked everyone with his starting lineup. The Spaniard chose not to start a holding midfielder, opting to play a midfield three of Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, and Kevin de Bruyne.

Fernandinho and Rodri were both on the bench, allowing Chelsea to have more control in the game than they expected. The Blues scored just before the break thanks to a composed finish from Kai Havertz.

The Estadio do Dragao was limited to 16,500 fans due to COVID-19 restrictions, which perhaps did not help Man City mount a comeback. They failed to even register a shot on target in the second half as Sergio Aguero's final game for the club did not end the way he hoped it would.

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Most Champions League finals by English clubs

Man City's second Champions League final appearance takes them level with Nottingham Forest, but they are still a long way behind Liverpool. The Reds have made the final on 10 separate occasions, winning the trophy six times.

Man United are second on the list for more final appearances in Europe's elite competition, while both Arsenal and Tottenham have reached the big event once in their history.