Manchester City avoided an embarrassing Champions League exit in dramatic style with a comeback victory over Club Brugge in an enthralling clash at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been woefully out of form for several months and their poor record in Europe meant they were up against it to qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Only a win would do for City against Club Brugge and there were clear nerves in the first half as City struggled to create an opening and failed to find the target.
And their task was made even tougher when Raphael Onyedika broke the deadlock for Club Brugge on the stroke of half-time.
City came out a different side in the second half and a brilliant solo goal from Mateo Kovacic brought them level before Josko Gvardiol’s cross was turned into his own net by Joel Ordonez to turn the game on its head.
Manchester City came back from 1-0 down to win
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Guardiola’s side continued to try and push for a third to put Brugge out of sight, but the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were off the mark too often.
The visitors had their chances to equalise with some dangerous counter-attacks, but City managed to survive and progress to the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Man City player ratings vs Club Brugge
Ederson: 6
Came up with a few crucial saves at big moments when City were up against it. Nothing he could do for Club Brugge’s opener.
Matheus Nunes: 3
Disastrous defensive effort led to Club Brugge’s opening goal. Looked really uncomfortable in the unorthodox role.
John Stones: 5
City’s defensive unit was all over the place for Brugge’s first goal and Stones was caught in no man’s land.
Manuel Akanji: 5
Was too far away from providing Nunes with cover after his defensive mistake and was too slow in trying to close down Ferran Jutgla.
Josko Gvardiol: 6
Looked threatening for City down the left in the second half and his cross helped the hosts take the lead.
Club Brugge threatened a huge upset
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Mateo Kovacic: 7
Singlehandedly pulled City back into the match with a brilliant solo goal at the start of the second half.
Ilkay Gundogan: 4
Was ineffective for City in midfield and duly taken off by Guardiola at the break for Savinho.
Bernardo Silva: 4
Could have similarly been hooked at half-time for a sub-par display. Wasn’t at the races.
Kevin De Bruyne: 5
Clearly still trying to find top form after returning from injury. Was off the mark with a few attempts from long range.
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Savinho proved to be the difference for City
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Phil Foden: 4
A disappointing evening for the England international. Tried to get involved but was lacklustre in the final third.
Erling Haaland: 4
Another below-par display from the Norwegian forward. Looks lost at times when the service isn’t there.
Subs
Savinho: 8
Immediate impact off the bench and played a vital role in City’s second goal before making sure of all three points with a goal of his own.
Rico Lewis: 6