The warm UEFA Champions League showdown at 3 a.m.! The 34-year-old superstar returns home. Guardiola praises him: No. 2 in the world

At 3 a.m. on September 19, in the first round of the Champions League stage, Manchester City faced Naples at home. In this Champions League focus battle, De Bruyne returned to the Itihad Stadium, and two former Manchester United players, Hoylen and McTominay, met their familiar opponents.

[Confrontation History]

In the history of the Champions League, the two teams met 4 times, Manchester City won 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, scoring 8 goals and conceding 6 goals. In the 2017-18 Champions League group stage, Manchester City beat Napoli 2-1 at home and 4-2 away.

【Go home! 34-year-old De Bruyne turned against his old master]

Manchester City vs. Naples, De Bruyne is the absolute focus. This summer, De Bruyne left Manchester City, who had been playing for 10 years, and joined Naples. In Serie A, De Bruyne scored 2 goals in 3 games, still maintaining a high level. Manchester City fans at the

Itihad Stadium will give De Bruyne an applause. In his 10 years at Manchester City, De Bruyne has made 108 goals and 177 assists in 422 appearances, winning 16 titles including 6 Premier League championship trophys. Haaland, Foden, Rodri and Ruben Dias in Manchester City are all old teammates with De Bruyne, and coach Guardiola regards Dingtin as the superstar second only to Messi.

【The only post-00s Haaland scored 50 goals in the Champions League]

In the history of the Champions League, Haaland scored 49 goals in 48 games, and his efficiency of 1 goal per game was unmatched. In the Champions League total scorer list, Haaland tied for 10th with 49 goals, only 1 goal less than Henry, who is 9th. In the match against Naples, Haaland strives for his 50th goal in the Champions League: only one goal is needed, Haaland can become the first post-2000s to score 50+ goals in the Champions League.

[Manchester United 2 old players lead the Champions League grudge showdown]

In the Naples team, there were originally three "Manchester contact" players: center Lukaku, Hoylen, and midfielder McTominay. Lukaku was seriously injured and missed the match against Manchester City. Hoylen and Wheat are expected to start and face the familiar Manchester City. Wheat, 28, has 15 career matches against Manchester City, 6 wins, 1 draw and 8 losses, and scored 1 goal in his own personal score; Hoylen has played against Manchester City four times, but failed to score goals and assists.

Guardiola and Conte also met in the Premier League many times. Conte, 56, has coached Chelsea and Tottenham. He has made seven encounters with Guardiola, and Conte has not lost 4 wins and 3 losses. The last conversation between the two was the 22nd round of the Premier League in 2022-23. Tottenham coached by Conte defeated Manchester City 1-0, and Kane scored the only goal.

【Expected starter】

Manchester City (4141): Donnarumma/Lewis, Ruben Dias, Ak, Gvadior/Rodri/Bsch, Reindes, Foden, Doku/Haland

Naples (4141): Meret/Dilorenzo, Beekma, Buongiorno, Spinazola/Lobotca/Politano, Anguysa, De Bruyne, McTominay/Hoilen