Manchester City Survive Brugge Scare to Reach Champions League Play-offs
Manchester City narrowly avoided a Champions League catastrophe, securing a 3-1 comeback victory over Club Brugge to scrape into the play-off round. Pep Guardiola’s side knew only a win would suffice to avoid elimination from the competition, and they were made to sweat for their place in the knockout stages.
Club Brugge stunned the Etihad Stadium by taking a surprise lead just before half-time through Raphael Onyedika. However, City responded with a much-improved second-half performance. Mateo Kovacic leveled the score with a fine solo effort, before an own goal from Joel Ordonez gave City the lead. Savinho then added a third goal to secure the victory and spark a wave of relief around the Etihad.
This narrow escape highlights City’s struggles this season, with their Champions League campaign far from convincing. Guardiola acknowledged the need for improvement if they are to progress further in the competition.
“We are not at our best, but we found a way to win,” Guardiola said after the match. “We need to be more clinical in front of goal and tighter in defense if we want to challenge for the trophy.”
City will now face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-off round, a daunting prospect for a team that has looked vulnerable at times this season. However, Guardiola remains confident that his team can overcome these challenges and progress to the last 16.
“We know it will be a difficult tie, but we are ready for the challenge,” Guardiola said. “We have the quality to beat anyone, and we will be giving everything to reach the next round.”
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