Manchester City secured their passage to the Champions League knockout stage with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Club Brugge. Despite a shaky start and a first-half deficit, City rallied to secure a playoff berth against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. The team, though relieved, acknowledged the need to improve their form heading into the challenging fixtures ahead.
There was relief in the Manchester City dressing room after their Champions League escape act vs Club Brugge - which quickly turned to defiance as the squad made their way out of the Etihad.
It was an anti-climactic mood at full-time, with City pleased to progress but wary of the play-offs and aware their path into the knockout stages should have been sealed much earlier. Goalscorer Mateo Kovacic added: "We didn’t want to be in this situation but that’s football and in the end, we showed real character and great desire." Game-changer Savinho said he was 'thankful' City went through, and joined Akanji in saying they are still in 'game by game' mode in terms of improving their form.
"I think we can beat every team in Europe so whoever comes we're ready for the challenge. I still think if we give it our all and we all work together on the pitch we are still one of the best teams in Europe but we have to prove it match after match. We didn't do that yet this year but I still think we're capable of it."
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MANCHESTER CITY REAL MADRID BAYERN MUNICH PLAYOFFS
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