Julius OkorieIt was a night of survival for embattled Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola and his team, after they survived an initial scare, to book a place in the Champions League play-offs Wednesday.
Nigeria’s Raphael’s Onyedika, was on the verge of spoiling Guardiola’s party, after he fired Club Brugge into the lead on the dot of the first 45 minutes.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe strike became a major blow for Guardiola, who had prior to the match, read the riot act to his boys, underscoring the importance of winning the match and implication of losing it.
In his pre-match press conference, the former Barcelona sweat merchant had emphasised the importance of approaching the vital game with clarity and composure, saying: “The situation we have is that we must win the game, and if we fail to do so, we will not advance in this competition.
“It’s an opportunity, a challenge, and we’re ready to meet it. We aim to start strongly and score quickly, ideally within the first 20 minutes, though I recognise that this may not always be feasible.”
The former defensive midfielder elaborated on their game plan, insisting it centres on calm, analytical approach: “The key is to read the game effectively, remain completely relaxed, and minimise emotional pressure. Understanding our opponent is critical. I’m aware that matches of this significance demand a special level of focus and determination.”
Onyedika’s goal signalled a tilt towards the exit door for the Citizens whose supporters became uncomfortable.
However the turnaround began in the 53rd minute when Croatian international Mateo Kovacic grab the equaliser.
Own goal in the 62nd minute by Ecuadorian Joel Ordóñez became an added advantage for Man City who did not hesitate to consolidate thanks to Saviho in the 77th minute to leave the score line at 3-1.
READ ALSO:Pep Guardiola Records Massive Win Despite Home Front Crisis
It was a night Manchester City fought the battle of their live dominating proceedings after the scare and ensuring 93.8% possession to Club Brugge’s 6.2%.
Despite facing challenges, both at the home front, over his raging divorce with wife, Cristina Serra and on the pitch, with a number of unimpressive results, Pep Guardiola, who won the Champions league with Manchester City in the 2022-23 season, is hoping to add another title.
Manchester City’s achievement on the night, means they finished 22nd on the ranking, to qualify for the play-off of the Champions league that adopted a new format. Only teams that made the cut-off of 24th position stand a chance of advancing to the next stage.
Eight teams have already booked their places in the round of 16, viz Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Athletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa.
Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the play-offs, with Guardiola casting a doubt over City’s eventually qualification for the knockout.
Asked if Man City can still be considered contenders to win this year’s Champions League: “Right now, he said ,”no. I’m so pragmatic, the reality is the reality.”
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
