On the upper tier of the huge stand opposite the dugouts at the Etihad Stadium hangs a banner thanking Manchester City’s owner Sheik Mansour of Abu Dhabi for a trophy-heavy first 10 years.
We are four years into the second decade of Middle East ownership now and watching this incredible game of European football it was hard not to wonder what further glories may lie ahead.
More particularly, it seemed increasingly strange — as City traded thunderous blows with the best team in Spain — why Pep Guardiola would even think about leaving when his current contract expires at the end of next season.