Carragher laughs at Manchester City’s Champions League fate

January 30, 2026 Oliver Obel

Jamie Carragher’s reaction said more than any tactical breakdown. As potential Champions League last-16 ties were discussed on live television, the former Liverpool defender burst into laughter not out of joy, but disbelief.

The moment unfolded during CBS Sports Golazo’s coverage on Wednesday night, as the European competition’s new league-phase format reached its conclusion. Carragher, alongside Micah Richards, was assessing what the revamped structure actually rewards and whether finishing positions still offer meaningful protection.

His answer, judging by his response, was no.

A format under scrutiny

The final round of league-phase fixtures brought familiar Champions League drama. Liverpool demolished Qarabag 6-0, their biggest victory since 1934. Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, overturned Real Madrid 4-2 to secure qualification late on, while Newcastle earned a 1-1 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain.

But as the dust settled, attention quickly moved from results to consequences. According to CBS Sports Golazo, the discussion turned to who England’s clubs might face next and Carragher questioned whether the system now produces outcomes that feel arbitrary rather than earned.

He referenced Liverpool’s experience from the previous season, when finishing top of the league phase still resulted in a Round of 16 meeting with eventual champions PSG, arguing that the league table no longer guarantees a smoother path.

City’s draw flips the script

Arsenal’s perfect run this season has left them facing one of Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen. Conversation then shifted to Manchester City a club Carragher joked has historically enjoyed generous cup draws.

Before hearing the details, he quipped:

“You know what, I bet you [Man City] have got like… I’ve never known a team more lucky with draws than Man City in my life. They get to the FA Cup final every year, right? And they just play League Two teams.”

The punchline arrived moments later. When Richards revealed that City could be paired with either Real Madrid or Inter Milan, Carragher laughed and replied:

“I’ll take that, I’ll take that.”

As highlighted on the broadcast, the list hardly stops there. Bodo/Glimt who recently beat City 3-1 in Norway and Benfica also remain possible opponents, underlining how unforgiving the draw could be despite City finishing eighth.

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Pressure beyond domestic dominance

Liverpool, who placed third after winning six of eight matches, will face one of Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray or Juventus. For Manchester City, however, the scrutiny runs deeper.

Since Pep Guardiola’s arrival in 2016, City have dominated English football, collecting multiple Premier League titles alongside domestic cups. Yet that success has translated into only one Champions League triumph the treble-winning 2022–23 campaign.

With resources, pedigree and expectations all firmly established, the knockout rounds now represent a familiar question rather than a fresh opportunity: can City consistently impose themselves on Europe, not just England?

Carragher’s laughter may have been spontaneous, but the point behind it was clear. In this format, reputation and league position offer little shelter and the margin for error is shrinking fast.

Sources: CBS Sports Golazo