For a couple of seasons, the group stages proved to be an insurmountable barrier for Manchester City.
Then it was the first knockout stage for another two seasons. But after defeating Dynamo Kyiv 3-1 away in their Champions League last-16 first leg three weeks ago, it looks like the Premier League club will be in the last eight of Europe's premier cup competition for the first time.
Despite struggles in the Premier League this season as the title becomes a remote possibility, it is hard to see Dynamo overturning the first leg deficit and scoring three times without reply at the Etihad Stadium.
Thus, Atlético Madrid's home clash with PSV Eindhoven tonight should garner more of your interest.
While Atlético did not lose the first leg in the Netherlands, they did not get an away goal as the game finished 0-0.
PSV players leave the pitch after the Champions League round of 16 first leg match between PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid at the Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The Spanish side, who currently lie second above neighbours Real Madrid in La Liga this season, are heavy favourites to progress past PSV. However, if the Dutch league leaders notch an away goal tonight - especially if they were to score first - the complexion of the match will change immeasurably.
Atletico's Antoine Griezmann jumps for a header during the Champions League round of 16 first leg match between PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid at the Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
The firepower lies with the home side tonight, especially with the prolific France international forward Antoine Griezmann in the Atlético ranks.
With 23 goals already, the Real Sociedad youth-academy product is far away the club's top scorer this season, with four of those coming in the Champions League.
While Griezmann is a threat up front, they are one of the best teams in Europe at the moment when it comes to their defensive record: they have conceded just two goals in their last seven La Liga matches, and only 12 all season.
PSV on the other hand have been reliant on the goals of their top scorer Luuk de Jong in 2015-16, but he has netted just twice in the Champions League; the joint highest individual mark for the club in the competition this season.
Domestically however, they have had little trouble finding the back of the net, with 68 goals to their name in 27 games, and only one loss in the Eredivisie this season.
If Griezmann can be kept quiet, the game could then come down to a PSV frontline that has still scored with alarming regularity in the absence of the prolific Memphis Depay, against Atlético's incredibly miserly defence. An early away goal for PSV would really put the cat among the pigeons in Madrid tonight.
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