Manchester City FC secured their place in next season's UEFA Champions League after defeating Tottenham Hotspur FC 1-0 in the English Premier League (EPL) on Tuesday night. This is the first time in City's history that they have qualified for the UEFA Champions League - the most lucrative club competition in world soccer.
The midweek victory at The City of Manchester Stadium will assure Roberto Mancini's side finish in the top four of the EPL standings. Should City finish fourth at season's end, the club will play in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. However, should Mancini's squad finish in the EPL's top three, they will earn a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
"Congratulations to everyone at Manchester City FC on another marvelous achievement in qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League in what is becoming quite a season for the club," said Whitecaps FC chief executive officer Paul Barber. "With an FA Cup final appearance to come this Saturday, we are absolutely thrilled that one of this season’s most successful English Premier League clubs will be playing the Whitecaps on July 18."
City will now look to complete their week in fine style when they face EPL rivals Stoke City FC in the final of this year's English FA Cup at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. It is City's first FA Cup final appearance since 1981, with the club last winning the title back in 1969. City's last piece of silverware was the English League Cup in 1976.
On July 18, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host Manchester City FC on Bell Pitch at Empire Field at 7 p.m. PT as part of the 2011 World Football Challenge. Tickets for the international match, valued at $60 each, are included in our new Whitecaps FC match packs. Starting at just $159, the match pack options - GOING HOLLYWOOD, I (HEART) NY, LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR? - all include the Manchester City FC friendly match and four coveted MLS matches. Aside from season tickets, which also include the Manchester City game, match packs are currently the only way to secure a ticket to the July 18 international friendly. For additional information on match packs, visit whitecapsfc.com/matchpacks.
Additional match information, including individual match ticket availability, will be announced at a later date. Visit whitecapsfc.com/manchester-city-fc for more information.
