Manchester City edge past Club Brugge to secure Champions League play-off spot

Manchester City narrowly avoided an early exit from the Champions League as they battled back to defeat Club Brugge 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side faced mounting pressure, knowing only a win would prevent the embarrassment of falling outside the top 24 under the tournament’s new format. That fear seemed closer to reality when Raphael Onyedika turned in Ferran Jutgla’s cross to give Club Brugge a surprise lead just before half-time.

City responded with urgency after the break. Mateo Kovacic drilled a low shot past former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to equalize eight minutes into the second half. Joel Ordonez’s own goal from Josko Gvardiol’s cross shifted the momentum in City’s favor.

Savinho sealed the victory, beating Mignolet with a low strike at the near post, easing Guardiola’s concerns as City advanced to the play-off stage.

The result marks a crucial step in City’s quest to retain the title they won in 2023.