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Manchester City can still top group, says Manuel Pellegrini

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Manuel Pellegrini gives his reaction after Manchester City's 1-0 defeat

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini insists there is still plenty to play for in Champions League Group D despite his side's 1-0 defeat at Juventus.

Mario Mandzukic scored the only goal of the game as Juventus secured their place in the last 16 and moved two points clear of City at the top of the standings.

However, with Juventus travelling to Sevilla and City hosting Borussia Monchengladbach on Matchday Six, Pellegrini still thinks his side, who have already qualified for the last 16, have a chance of finishing as group winners.

Dejected Manchester City players look on
Image: City missed several chances to score in Turin

"The group is not finished," he said. "At the moment we must wait to see what Juventus do against Sevilla.

"It's a very difficult game that they must play away from home. Sevilla must win that game if they want to continue in the Europa League so the group is not finished."

Champions League Group D table
Image: Champions League Group D table

Meanwhile, Pellegrini was pleased with his side's overall display in Italy but was left to rue their wasteful finishing.

"Both teams played well and we were unlucky to lose this game," he said. "Mandzukic finished well, but we had chances to at least draw - but missed them.

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"It was important to score the first goal. We had the first chance to score with Fernandinho, but we didn't take it.

Manchester City FC head coach Manuel Pellegrini
Image: Pellegrini felt his side were unlucky to lose to Jueventus

"We tried to dominate the game and I am not unhappy the way we played because this is not an easy team or stadium to come to, but it is not the result we wanted.

"We have so many injuries it is difficult to continue the same pace, but we had the personality to do it and were maybe a bit unfortunate."

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