Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens, yet the night was dominated by talk of empty seats. The official attendance of 40,042 was more than 20,000 below the expanded Etihad Stadium capacity of 61,038.
Tuesday's figure was higher than the Carabao Cup win over Norwich City last month, and came days after a stadium-record crowd of 60,817 watched City beat Ipswich Town in the Premier League. That match drew little criticism on social media.
Maresca backs supporters
“I think the ones in the stadium were good,” Maresca said when asked about the attendance. “The last game against Ipswich they were top and next week two games against Brighton and I’ve no doubt the environment will be good again.”
The empty-seat jokes are not new, but they are often made without context. This was City's third home game in six days, and in a newly expanded Champions League with four home league-phase fixtures and up to four more possible in the knockouts, the visit of Greek champions AEK Athens was the least appealing option for fans.
Cost and fixture congestion
Adult tickets for the tie started at £30, a reasonable price for a European match, but the cost of several home games in a short period adds up. City still have two more home matches this month, making five in 18 days.
City host Brighton in the Carabao Cup next week, with adult tickets from £20 and kids-for-a-quid prices during half-term, with a bumper crowd expected. Brighton return the following Saturday in the Premier League, when prices start at £43.
Travel, food, weather, television options and other factors all influence supporter decisions. Such nights provide quick jibes on social media, but they reflect a wider picture that affects many top-flight clubs, not just City.
