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<p>Milestone 1,000th Game</p>
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<img alt="Man City dominate Liverpool as Guardiola marks 1,000th match" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/man-city-liverpool-1762713265-182432.jpg" title="Man City dominate Liverpool as Guardiola marks 1,000th match">
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p>As the Last Post echoed throughout Etihad Stadium on Remembrance Sunday, one might think that the bugler had received special instructions from Pep Guardiola. Known for his pursuit of perfection, Guardiola took to the touchline for his 1,000th managerial match against Liverpool—an ideal backdrop for such a remarkable milestone. Rather than downplaying the occasion, he fully embraced it.</p>
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<p>Guardiola has managed in numerous Champions League finals, numerous Clasicos, and many high-stakes matches, but facing Liverpool at home with his current City squad felt especially significant. Both teams were desperate to keep up with Arsenal, knowing that a loss could be detrimental to their title ambitions. However, Guardiola led his side to a surprisingly comfortable 3-0 victory, reducing the gap to the Premier League leaders.</p>
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<img alt="Pep Guardiola celebrates 1,000 games" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/guardiola-1000-1762713980-182438.png?lm=1762714029" title="Pep Guardiola celebrates 1,000 games" width="503">
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<p>The fact that Liverpool had the chance to spoil his special day was fitting, given their long-standing rivalry since Guardiola’s arrival in July 2016. Arne Slot was facing his own challenges after a series of defeats, but after a couple of wins, he seemed to have steadied his ship. Guardiola, keen on avenging his previous losses to Slot, came to this match determined to turn the tables. Before this game, Slot was one of five managers with a 100% record against Guardiola. The others? Paul Cook, Nathan Jones, Thiago Motta, and Achim Beierlorzer—achievements unlikely to be repeated. However, Slot likely understood that Guardiola would reclaim his dominance eventually.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Premier League</p>
<p>Premier League</p>
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<p>€1.21bn</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€1.15bn</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€206.80m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€482.90m</p>
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<p>Pep Guardiola</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Arne Slot</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>City wasted no time delivering the opening blow. Jérémy Doku had already threatened Liverpool's defense when he capitalized on a mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. After being clipped by Giorgi Mamardashvili's knee, a VAR review led referee Chris Kavanagh to award a penalty. Erling Haaland, in phenomenal form with 13 goals in 10 games, stepped up, but his shot was saved by Mamardashvili.</p>
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<p>Van Dijk nearly made amends in the 38th minute with a powerful header, only for an offside call against Andy Robertson to nullify the goal. As Liverpool's celebrations faltered, City struck again when Nico González's shot was inadvertently redirected into the net by Van Dijk, putting City two goals ahead.</p>
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<p>Had circumstances been different, Liverpool could have found themselves at 2-1. However, their response was lackluster. Cody Gakpo missed a significant chance from close range, while Doku continued his dazzling display, curling in a strike from 25 yards to make it 3-0. The pressure was now on Liverpool to salvage some pride amidst their heavy defeat. With superstar players like Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and Alexander Isak either stifled or benched, Liverpool's attack fell flat against City's robust performance.</p>
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<img alt="Guardiola's favorite opponents" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/guardiola-favourite-managers-1762713790-182435.png?lm=1762713830" title="Guardiola's favorite opponents" width="503">
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<p>From the other dugout, a satisfied Guardiola watched his team shine on the pitch. Approaching his 10-year anniversary as a manager, the 54-year-old continues to be one of the toughest coaches to face. While critics may claim his team relies heavily on Haaland, this match demonstrated an exceptional collective effort, reinforcing their aspirations for another domestic league title in Guardiola's illustrious career.</p>
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