Manchester City organized a return in the second half to win a 3-1 victory on the Brugge club, reserving its place during the round of the Champions League qualifiers.
Despite a nervous first half that saw the visitors take the lead, City responded with a dominant screen in the second half to overthrow the deficit and keep their European hopes alive.
The match began with the city which has trouble asserting its usual domination. Brugge, undefeated during their last four outings from the Champions League, settled quickly and looked dangerous on the counter.
Early alert panels came when Christos Tzolis broke out to the right and crossed the box, although City managed to get rid of.
Brugge took advantage of the city’s lethargic game and amazed Etihad just before half-time. Tzolis found space on the side and chose Raphael Onyedika, who broke the ball in front of Ederson to give visitors a deserved lead.
Pep Guardiola was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, knowing that his team needed at least two goals to maintain their Champions League campaign.
Full -time | In the play-offs 💪
🩵 3-1 ⚫️ #Mandity | #Ucl pic.twitter.com/bklzywa04k
– Manchester City (@Mancity) January 29, 2025
The second half saw a rejuvenated city emerging from the locker room. Guardiola made a change, bringing Savinho for Gundogan, and the Brazilian played a key role in changing the momentum. City started pressing higher, moving the ball with greater intensity, and their efforts quickly brought their fruit.
In the 53rd minute, John Stones installed Mateo Kovacic, who advanced and expressed a shot in the lower corner to equalize.
Etihad broke out, feeling a return to the cards. City continued to move forward, although Brugge remained a threat to the break.
Tzolis wasted a golden opportunity for visitors, dragging his wide effort when he seemed certain to mark.
In the 62nd minute, Savinho brilliantly linked to Josko Gvardiol, whose low cross was inadvertently transformed into his own net by Joel Ordonnez de Brugge.
Brugge tried to answer but had trouble. Mignolet kept visitors in the game with a crucial backup to refuse Haaland, before Sey lost a follow -up effort outside the line.
However, the decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Savinho hung on a pass of stones, broke out in the box and pierced a low shot in front of Mignolet to do it 3-1.
The victory ensured the increase of the city in the competition, aroused relief among the fans and the staff of coaches of Guardiola.