Manchester City returned to the court at Anfield after the decision of the Premier League, which declared him guilty of 114 of the 115 charges against him. The match, which became the first match for the “skyblue” after the ruling, was played in an atmosphere full of tension, with the Liverpool fans showing their discontent in an open and forceful way.
From 2018 to 2025, the rivalry between both teams has established itself as the modern “classic” of English football, since only they have won the Premier League in that period, with six titles for City and two for Liverpool. The recent controversy surrounding the Etihad club, which includes accusations of irregularities in player recruitment and squad management, has added an extra layer of drama to the contest. The fact that City has been found guilty and has appealed the case generated an atmosphere of suspicion and hostility among the “red” fans.
At the stadium, Liverpool fans greeted the visitors with banners and chants calling them “cheaters.” T-shirts and merchandising of Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola were even distributed with designs that alluded to prison, and some fans used the song “Wonderwall” by Oasis, a classic from the city of Manchester, to hurl insults such as “And after all you really robbed us all.” The cry of "cheats" echoed in several phases of the match, reflecting the frustration of fans who feel that City's irregularities have deprived them of potential titles.
Despite the charged atmosphere, the game developed with intensity. Manchester City managed to prevail, emerging victorious on the scoreboard. The result, however, did not change the legal situation of the club, which is still in the appeal process before the Premier League. City officials and players, including Haaland and Guardiola, maintained their composure throughout the match, although the pressure from Liverpool fans was evident.
With the victory at Anfield, Manchester City consolidates its position in the table, although legal uncertainty persists. The referees and management of the Premier League have indicated that, if the appeal is unsuccessful, sanctions could be imposed that affect future trips and participation in European competitions. For Liverpool, the result is a reminder of the rivalry that extends beyond the field, while City will have to focus on resolving their case to avoid major consequences on the season.