Man City show fight in great escape, but inconsistency still plagues them | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Champions League campaign has been far from smooth, but they have kept their hopes alive – just.

A 3-1 comeback victory over Club Brugge secured their place in the play-offs, yet their struggles throughout the league stage leave them with an unenviable path forward.

Pep Guardiola’s side came dangerously close to an early exit, trailing 1-0 at half-time after Raphael Onyedika’s well-taken goal.

City had been sluggish and uninspired, and their campaign teetered on the edge of disaster. The crowd was subdued, perhaps reflecting the growing concerns over their team’s inconsistency.

Recognising the urgency, Guardiola made a crucial change at the break, introducing Savinho to inject pace and energy into the attack.

The Brazilian made an immediate impact, stretching Brugge’s defence and providing the spark City had lacked.

It did not take long for the hosts to level the score. Mateo Kovacic drove forward from midfield and slotted a low shot into the bottom corner. The goal ignited City’s momentum.

Brugge had posed problems, particularly through Christos Tzolis, but City finally took control. Josko Gvardiol’s low cross forced Joel Ordonez into an own goal, putting Guardiola’s men ahead.

Savinho then put the result beyond doubt, chesting down a diagonal pass from John Stones before finishing clinically at the near post.

Despite the relief of qualification, City now face a daunting challenge in the play-offs, where they will meet either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

“We were 45 minutes away from elimination, but it is great learning for the club,” Guardiola said.

“We deserve it, facing one of Madrid or Bayern. I do not know if they are happy to play us, but no complaints.”

City’s campaign has been defined by costly lapses, with defeats to Sporting CP, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain exposing their vulnerabilities.

Perhaps most damaging was their three-goal collapse in a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium.

The revamped Champions League format has made for an exciting spectacle, but it has not been kind to City.

They have survived the scare, but their biggest test is yet to come. If they are to reclaim the trophy, their performances must improve – starting now.