Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, ensuring their place in the knockout phase, where they will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
The Sky Blues went in ready for a tough match-up, knowing that only a win would be enough to progress. Brugge started on the back foot, setting up with a deep defensive block and capitalizing on counter-attacks. The visitors took the lead in the first half through Ardon Jashari’s clinical strike, forcing City to chase the game.
Pep Guardiola introduced Savinho at half time, who had an immediate impact. Mateo Kovacic levelled the score with a brilliant solo effort, before Savinho played a role in the next two goals – first assisting Josko Gvardiol to force an own goal, and then scoring himself after controlling a John Stones cross.
While new signing Omar Marmoush was ineligible for this match due to UEFA registration rules, his availability for the next phase is a major boost for City. With the team now through to the knockout rounds, Marmoush will be eligible to make his Champions League debut against either Real Madrid or his former German rivals, Bayern Munich.