Manchester City staged a second-half comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, booking their place in the Champions League play-off round.
Despite a nervy first half that saw the visitors take the lead, City responded with a dominant second-half display to overturn the deficit and keep their European hopes alive.
The match began with City struggling to assert their usual dominance. Brugge, unbeaten in their last four Champions League outings, settled quickly and looked dangerous on the counter.
Early warning signs came when Christos Tzolis burst down the right and crossed into the box, though City managed to clear.
Brugge took advantage of City’s lethargic play and stunned the Etihad just before half-time. Tzolis found space on the flank and picked out Raphael Onyedika, who smashed the ball past Ederson to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Pep Guardiola was visibly frustrated on the touchline, knowing his side needed at least two goals to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
FULL-TIME | Into the play-offs 💪
🩵 3-1 ⚫️ #ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/BKLzywA04K
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 29, 2025
The second half saw a rejuvenated City emerge from the dressing room. Guardiola made a change, bringing on Savinho for Gundogan, and the Brazilian played a key role in shifting the momentum. City started pressing higher, moving the ball with greater intensity, and their efforts soon paid off.
In the 53rd minute, John Stones set up Mateo Kovacic, who drove forward and expertly placed a shot into the bottom corner to equalise.
The Etihad erupted, sensing a comeback on the cards. City continued to push forward, though Brugge remained a threat on the break.
Tzolis squandered a golden opportunity for the visitors, dragging his effort wide when he looked certain to score.
In the 62nd minute, Savinho linked up brilliantly with Josko Gvardiol, whose low cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Brugge’s Joel Ordonez.
Brugge attempted to respond but struggled. Mignolet kept the visitors in the game with a crucial save to deny Haaland, before Seys cleared a follow-up effort off the line.
However, the decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Savinho latched onto a pass from Stones, burst into the box, and drilled a low shot past Mignolet to make it 3-1.
The victory ensured City’s progression in the competition, sparking relief among the fans and Guardiola’s coaching staff.
