Manchester City managed to dramatically progress to the knockout phase of the Champions League after winning 3-1 against Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium, Thursday (30/1).
Manchester City dominated possession of the ball in the first half. Ball possession reached 70 percent but The Citizens could not land a shot on target at Club Brugge’s goal.
Club Brugge actually managed to break into Manchester City’s goal in the 45th minute through Raphael Onyedika. This goal came from Club Brugge’s quick counterattack.
Ferran Jutglia, who controlled the ball on the right side of the Manchester City defense, was keen to see Onyedika’s movements. Jutglia sent a pass towards Onyedika.
Onyedika came from the second line and fired hard. Ederson was unable to block the shot and Club Brugge led 1-0 in the first half.
Under pressure, Manchester City was able to score two goals in return in the first 20 minutes. Man City’s first goal was scored by Mateo Kovacic in the 53rd minute.
Kovacic performed an extraordinary individual action. Receiving the ball from John Stones in the middle of the field, Kovacic ran fast past two people. After being in front of the penalty box, Kovacic fired a low shot into the goal.
Manchester City then took the lead through an own goal in the 62nd minute. Manchester City’s second goal was scored through an own goal from Joel Ordonez who mistimed Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
Manchester City then increased their lead to 3-1 through Savinho. Savinho received John Stones’ long pass and fired a shot that Simon Mignolet couldn’t block perfectly.
This victory made Manchester City finish in 22nd position or the bottom three in the Champions League final standings in the league phase.
With the new format, this result is clearly detrimental to Manchester City. Erling Haaland and friends will face Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs.
