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Manchester City’s Champions League campaign hung in the balance up until the last 45 minutes of the league phase, and the weight of expectation was palpable. Fail to win, and the agony of a group-stage exit would be theirs to bear. The longest league table in football history would not lie.
Pep Guardiola’s team, loaded with big-game knowhow, seemed to sleepwalk into the match, allowing Club Brugge to dictate the tempo. The Belgian side’s impressive record – 15 wins and five draws in all competitions since their last defeat on October 22, 2024 needed something extraordinary to hack them.
The City faithful, quiet and underwhelmed in the early exchanges, were stunned into silence as Brugge stormed forward on the counterattack. Hans Vanaken, the visitors’ captain, orchestrated the move, which resulted in Raphael Onyedika’s clinical finish on the stroke of halftime. The goal being a culmination of City’s laboured display, with Matheus Nunes being beaten easily by Ferran Jutglà’s simple stop-and-go move.
Guardiola’s halftime adjustments proved vital, as City emerged with renewed purpose and energy. Mateo Kovacic’s equalizer, a beautifully crafted solo effort, revitalized the hosts. The momentum swung decisively in City’s favour when Josko Gvardiol’s low cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Joel Ordóñez.
Savinho, introduced as a substitute, sealed the victory with a well-taken goal, ensuring City’s progress to the playoff round. While the win was a relief, it also served as a stark reminder of the team’s inconsistencies. The Champions League title, won in 2023, seems a distant memory, and City will need to rediscover their mojo if they hope to replicate that success this term.
Brugge, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak, proved to be formidable opponents. Their pacey winger, Christos Tzolis, caused City’s defense numerous problems, and it was only a matter of time before they exploited the hosts’ defensive vulnerabilities. Tzolis’s shot was blocked by Manuel Akanji, and Ilkay Gündogan’s goal was disallowed for offside.
In the end, City’s experience and quality told, but the match served as a wake-up call. Guardiola’s team must address their inconsistencies and develop a more cohesive unit if they hope to navigate the challenges ahead.
