With three second-half goals in the win over Club Brugge 3-1 on Wednesday, Manchester City saved themselves from an embarrassing Champions League early exit and advanced to the play-off round.
Raphael Onyedika gave City the lead just before half-time, which set the Belgian champions on their way to packing before the knockout stages for the first time since 2012.
City rallied just in time to win all three of their opening seven matches in the new format of the competition after only two of their first two.
Mateo Kovacic struck from the edge of the box before Joel Ordonez’s unfortunate mistake turned in Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
Pep Guardiola was anxiously pursuing the touchline all the way through the third half and was arrested for protesting against the officials when substitute Savinho was substituted.
Before the action even started at the Etihad, a , merchandise stand caught fire on the stadium’s perimeter just before the teams arrived.
Unbeaten in 21 games, Brugge traveled to Manchester, and they were unfazed by the challenge of facing a diminished version of the English champion.
City had already suffered a slow start, with Christos Tzolis posing a constant threat to Brugge, after losing ten games to the visitors.
Ilkay Gundogan slotted home from the penalty spot but Bernardo Silva’s header sent City to a halt.
However, Brugge remained a constant threat during the counterattack, and just before half-time, they were given their reward.
The Greek’s cross was once more brought home by Onyedika, who was also the creator.
In a surprisingly inspired change, Guardiola replaced Gundogan with Savinho at the break because City posed a much greater attacking threat in the second period.
Just a moment after the restart, John Stones had a fantastic chance to equalize.
The Croatian made a much-needed drive from the City midfield before scoring from the edge of the box to give the game’s 53rd minute equal.
However, Brugge could have caused the 2023 champions to concede a late penalty in the nine minutes between City’s first and second goals.
Tzolis fired too close to Ederson, drilled a shot inches wide and was prevented another clear sight of goal by Gvardiol’s last-ditch intervention with a hat-trick of big chances.
As Ordonez turned Gvardiol’s low cross into his own net, Brugge was the one who did the hard work for City at the other end.
Guardiola furiously kicked a water box during his celebration.
When Erling Haaland squandered his most important chance of the evening when Savinho’s follow-up effort was saved by Simon Mignolet and Brandon Mechele’s penalty clearance was obliterated, the City boss’ mood was heightened.
When Savinho drew Stones’ cross on his chest and fired in his first Champions League goal, Guardiola was finally able to smile and give relief 13 minutes later.
Before the match was over, Guardiola even embraced Nicky Hayen, who had just exchanged a handshake during stoppage time.
Source: Channels TV
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