Manchester City 3 - 1 Club Brugge
Manchester City survived a huge scare in the Champions League
Manchester City endured a nervy night at the Etihad but ultimately did just enough to book their place in the Champions League play-offs with a hard-fought victory over Club Brugge.
Pep Guardiola’s side knew only a win would do to avoid the ignominy of missing out on the top 24 spots in the tournament’s revamped format. But they were given a major fright when Raphael Onyedika stunned the home crowd, slotting in Ferran Jutgla’s cross just before half-time.
With the pressure mounting, City had to dig deep. The Belgian visitors more than held their own and looked worthy of a play-off spot, but the hosts eventually found their rhythm. Mateo Kovacic fired home a low strike past ex-Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet eight minutes after the break to level the score. Soon after, Josko Gvardiol’s dangerous cross forced Joel Ordonez into an unfortunate own goal, giving City a vital lead.
The nerves finally eased when Savinho’s low shot sneaked in at Mignolet’s near post, sealing the win and allowing Guardiola to breathe a sigh of relief as his team took another step towards Champions League progress.
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City's Champions League campaign has been unconvincing, unpredictable, and traumatic right up to the last moment, as they entered halftime scrambling for survival.They will be boosted by the ability to bring in new signings such as forward Omar Marmoush if they reach the knockout phase. However, Guardiola, being a realist, knows that City must return to something resembling their former selves if they are to advance to the last 16.
They face an old enemy in the next stage
Despite some recent defeats, defending champions Real Madrid are exhibiting the usual signs of resurgence after the New Year, particularly as Kylian Mbappe is settling into his role. Meanwhile, former City captain Vincent Kompany may be concerned about returning to his old club, especially if Bayern Munich’s current form continues to falter.
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