You may have heard all the stories about the managerial rivalry between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho. Just like the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate, no one can truly replace this iconic tactical battle. However, today, we have a fresh iteration of that rivalry, as we consider the prospect of Guardiola facing the next Mourinho. Yes, we are talking about none other than Ruben Amorim, a coach reminiscent of ‘The Special One.’

Guardiola and Amorim will meet for the third time, having last faced each other in the same competition but on a different stage. Man City thrashed Sporting 5-0 at home in the round of 16 in 2022, before the return leg ended in a stalemate. This prompts us to examine their individual stats in this prestigious European tournament.

Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP

Having hung up his boots in 2017, Ruben Amorim didn’t waste time and quickly decided to pursue the managerial path a year later. With a little experience working with Casa Pia before leading SC Braga to the Portuguese League Cup, 2019 saw Amorim join Sporting CP. Since then, it has been quite a journey for him alongside the Lions.

Speaking about his time in the UEFA Champions League, Ruben Amorim has managed Sporting CP for a total of 17 matches from 2019 to the present season, securing 7 victories, 3 draws, and 7 defeats. With an equal ratio of goals scored and conceded (27:27), Amorim’s Sporting has accumulated 24 points in their group stage journey, averaging 1.41 points per match.

The best finish his side has achieved in the UEFA Champions League is the round of 16 during the 2021/22 campaign. In contrast, they did not qualify for the tournament last season and instead competed in the UEFA Europa League. However, this season, Sporting has been decent, currently sitting in 8th place in the 36-team group with 7 points from three matches so far (2 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw).

Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

The experienced one, Pep Guardiola is no stranger to all the advantages and risks of this tournament. Since joining Manchester City in 2016, the Spaniard’s luck on the European stage finally came in the 2022/23 season, guiding the Sky Blues to their first-ever UCL silverware before coming close in the 2020/21 campaign.

Regarding the 53-year-old’s tenure in the Champions League, he has managed Manchester City for a total of 88 matches, securing 58 victories, 16 draws, and 14 defeats. With the goals scored to goals conceded ratio of 215:92, Guardiola has accumulated a total of 190 points, averaging 2.12 points per match.

Notably, last season, Manchester City failed to defend their title, exiting the competition in the quarter-finals after a defeat to Real Madrid. This season, however, they have been performing relatively well, currently sitting in 3rd place in the 36-team group table with 7 points (2 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw).