Champions League draw: Khusanov and City face major challenges

The names of all teams participating in the general stage of UEFA's most prestigious international tournament - the Champions League have been announced. To date, the 36 strongest teams of the "old continent" have identified their opponents for the next stage. According to the rules, each team will compete with eight teams that face each other in the draw: four of these clashes are scheduled to take place at home and four away - the formula is clear, the intrigue is high.

Only Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to participate in this season's UEFA Champions League. Manchester City finished last season in third place in the English Premier League, securing a spot in the most prestigious international tournament - now they face new heights on the European stage.

According to the draw, Josep Guardiola's players will face Real Madrid and Villarreal Madrid (Spain), Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), Napoli (Italy), Budø-Glimt (Norway), Galatasaray (Turkey), and Monaco (France) in the new season. At first glance, it's clear that the opponents' geography and styles are very diverse - from positional play to quick counter-attacks, you need to be prepared for the entire spectrum.

Experts of the Opta Center, which deals with statistics, paid special attention to the match "Manchester City" - "Budø-Glimt": according to the source, Abdukodir Khusanov's team will meet a Norwegian club for the first time in the history of the competition. Furthermore, City's Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, will play against Budø-Glimt after a long break: the 25-year-old forward scored against Molde in 2018 - historical parallels are back on the scene.

Regarding Abdukodir Khusanov, the 21-year-old central defender has experience playing in the European Champions League: he has played in the continent's largest tournament for both France's "Lans" and "Manchester City." Especially his performance against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu last season was highly praised by experts - he was particularly noted for his quick decision-making, position selection, and tolerance in duels. In addition, it can be taken into account that Husanov played against Monaco as a "Lans" player in the French championship. In addition to Budø-Glimt, the upcoming matches against Villarreal, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, and Galatasaray are a new chapter for our compatriot - trials of a new dimension.

Recall that Abdukodir Khusanov studied at the Bunyodkor academy, but began his professional career at the Belarusian club Energetik-BGU. In the summer of 2023, he joined the then French vice-champion "Lans," and on January 20, 2025, "Manchester City" took our legionnaire to England for 40 million euros. Thus, Husanov is valued as the player who brought the club the greatest financial profit in the history of "Lans" - record sales, record trust.

In short, the Champions League general stage is starting, and the draw numbers are not literally "abstract mathematics" - they make sense with tactical plans, character, and preparation on the field. For Husanov and City, this season is a time of new trials, new levels, and new opportunities. And the fans are ready: they are waiting eagerly for every episode, every blocked shot, and every accurate pass.