Manchester City completed a dramatic turnaround victory with three second-half goals to beat Club Brugge 3-1, securing their progression into the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday night.
The results on the day mean that Man City advance into the knockout playoff rounds with a 22nd-placed finish, while Club Brugge also narrowly progress as they finish 24th in the league phase table.
Man City dominated the first 45 minutes as they pursued the crucial three points needed to keep their European hopes alive, but after Ilkay Gundogan's early strike was disallowed for offside, Club Brugge weathered the remainder of the first half storm and stunned them on the stroke of half-time as Raphael Onyedika's ferocious finish gave the visitors the lead.
Pep Guardiola's men wasted no time in responding in the second half, as Mateo Kovacic stepped up to the plate, capping off a superb solo run with a clinical finish into the bottom left corner just seven minutes after the restart, and just 11 minutes later they took the lead, as Joel Ordonez turned Josko Gvardiol's cross into his own net.
The Citizens looked to have put the game to bed with just under 15 minutes remaining, as John Stones brilliantly picked out Savinho with a lovely clipped pass, and the winger fired through Simon Mignolet's legs and into the net to complete the turnaround, keeping Man City's Champions League dreams alive.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Guardiola is unlikely to be pleased with the performance of his players, having to come from behind after conceding in a first half that saw Man City deliver an extremely sloppy display.
However, the Spaniard will be impressed by the strength of character from his side, responding brilliantly in the second half to come from behind and secure the victory to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
The second 45 minutes was seemingly a return to form for the Citizens, who allowed far fewer chances and continuously attacked Club Brugge's goal, a feature of their success over the past years.
MAN CITY VS. CLUB BRUGGE HIGHLIGHTS
Raphael Onyedika goal vs. Man City (45th min, Man City 0-1 Club Brugge)
Raphael Onyedika gives Club Brugge the lead in Manchester!
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Man City have it all to do in the second half 🫣
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Club Brugge have taken the lead, Man City are in serious trouble now!
The visitors win the ball back just outside the box and spring a rapid counter attack, forcing the ball to the left wing where Ferran Jutgla skilfully goes past Matheus Nunes and races into the box.
The striker gets into the area and pulls his cross back across goal, where Onyedika meets the ball and ferociously fires his strike into the near corner to give Club Brugge the lead.
Mateo Kovacic goal vs. Club Brugge (53rd min, Man City 1-1 Club Brugge)
A wonderful solo run and finish from Mateo Kovačić gets Man City back in the game 💪
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Kovacic take a bow, Man City are alive again in the Champions League!
The midfielder picks up possession just inside the Club Brugge half and drives towards the penalty area, breezing past multiple defenders as he reaches the edge of the box.
Kovacic finally takes his shot just outside the area, keeping it low as he slides the ball across goal and into the bottom left corner to brilliantly equalise for the Citizens.
Joel Ordonez own-goal vs. Club Brugge (62nd min, Man City 2-1 Club Brugge)
Turnaround complete from Man City 🤩
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A PASSIONATE outburst from Pep Guardiola in celebration!
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Man City have the lead, Ordonez has turned it into his own net!
The hosts are pushing and probing for an opening as they circulate the ball around the Club Brugge box, eventually working it wide left to Savinho.
The Brazilian cuts inside and passes to Josko Gvardiol inside the box, and the defender fires the ball towards the back post, only for Ordonez to get a touch and turn the ball into his own net.
Savinho goal vs. Club Brugge (77th min, Man City 3-1 Club Brugge)
Savinho supplies Man City with a two-goal cushion on a night they desperately needed to win ✨
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Cracking assist from John Stones 😮💨
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Savinho fires in City's third, they are surely through to the knockout rounds now!
John Stones has possession in Club Brugge's half and clips a delightful pass from right to left for Savinho to race onto inside the box.
The Brazilian beautifully brings the ball into control with his chest and fires his strike through Simon Mignolet's legs to net Man City's third and surely secure the victory.
MAN OF THE MATCH - SAVINHO
© Imago
Savinho had a huge impact after coming on for the second half of the match, playing the ball to Gvardiol before his cross was deflected into Club Brugge's net and adding the third goal to ensure Man City's win.
The winger missed another big chance while also making an impressive six dribble attempts in just 45 minutes, a huge performance at a vital moment of the season for Man City.
Ederson should also be given a mention, making numerous important saves to keep Man City in the match and prevent Club Brugge from bringing their Champions League campaign to an end.
MAN CITY VS. CLUB BRUGGE MATCH STATS
Possession: Man City 74%-26% Club Brugge
Shots: Man City 17-12 Club Brugge
Shots on target: Man City 6-5 Club Brugge
Corners: Man City 5-1 Club Brugge
Fouls: Man City 2-3 Club Brugge
BEST STATS
Man City have qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 playoffs.
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Pep can finally relax a little 😅 pic.twitter.com/ALAQI1c5Qv
WHAT NEXT?
Man City's attention will now shift back to the Premier League as they prepare for a crucial clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Club Brugge will also prepare for a difficult matchup of their own in the Belgian Pro League, coming up against Royal Antwerp on Sunday afternoon.
Ellis Stevens
