Manchester City‘s Etihad Stadium was the victim of a massive fire on Wednesday, prior to the club‘s crucial UEFA Champions League encounter against Club Brugge. Reports and videos suggest the fire was so fierce that it tore through the club shop.
Manchester City prepared to introduce the fans to the January additions of almost €250M, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis, but suddenly, a retail stand near the Colin Bell West Stand entrance caught fire.
The blaze was extinguished, and there were no casualties. Manchester City officially stated: “Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand,” a statement from the club read.
“Emergency services are present at the scene, and the fire has now been extinguished. The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such, all events planned for the West Stand reception have been canceled, including the welcome event for new players and the first team arrival.”
There was no delay in the kickoff, and Manchester City had to extinguish another fire that had to be put out. City didn’t just extinguish the flames off the pitch but also on it with a crucial win. Pep Guardiola‘s men had to come back from 1-0 down in the second half against Belgians, Club Brugge, thanks to goals from Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and an own goal from the Brugge player.
Manchester City also accumulated an xG of around 1.87 and had goals for it. This victory spared them from an embarrassing group-stage exit from the Champions League, and they’ll find their playoff opponents on Friday. Considering the situation, the Citizens or Celtic could face Real Madrid in the playoffs. The Spanish giants have come up against City in the last three Champions League campaigns.
The reigning English champions had to get crucial three points to save their season. The Blues will also ensure that a fire doesn’t break out again. For more fearless sports coverage, visit Stadium Rant.
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