Guardiola – ‘I am more relieved than ever we are in the knockout stage’ Man City Edge Past Club Brugge to Keep European Hopes Alive
Pep Guardiola admitted feeling a sense of relief after Manchester City narrowly secured a place in the UEFA Champions League play-offs, finishing 22nd in the league phase on goal difference.
City had to dig deep at the Etihad Stadium, coming from behind to beat Club Brugge 3-1 in a tense encounter. Raphael Onyedika stunned the home crowd by putting Brugge ahead just before halftime, leaving Guardiola’s side facing an early exit from the competition.
However, a second-half resurgence, sparked by substitute Savinho and the experience of Mateo Kovacic, turned the tide. Kovacic equalized in the 53rd minute, before an own goal handed City the lead. Savinho then sealed the win, ensuring City’s progression.
Mateo Kovacic was awarded the MOTM
Despite the victory, Guardiola acknowledged City’s inconsistency this season. “We have been so unstable during the season,” he told TNT Sports. “In the past, we were always incredibly consistent, but this has not been a stable season. Today is a sense of relief to qualify. Of course, it’s a long season ahead, but step by step, we are recovering results.”
Guardiola also praised Kovacic’s contribution, highlighting his ability to break through defensive lines. “He makes a fantastic goal. I know Kova, when he’s able to break the lines in that way, it’s something unique, something special,” the City boss said.
While City have secured their place in the next stage, their path does not get any easier. They now face a two-legged play-off against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, with a spot in the last 16 on the line.
Looking ahead, Guardiola remained optimistic: “Of course, it’s Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, which will be really tough. But in two weeks, we’ll have a few players back, the new signings back, so hopefully, we can do well in both games.”
With their European journey hanging in the balance, City will need to summon their trademark resilience to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
The first round of games of the new version of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is officially behind us, with eight teams having qualified automatically for the competition’s round of 16.
The first round of games was filled with drama, stunning upsets, and impressive displays of skill, the field has been narrowed down to the crème de la crème of the continent.
With the stakes higher than ever, these teams are geared to produce more unforgettable moments, stunning comebacks, and dramatic twists.
Teams that have booked automatic qualification to the round of 16.
(1) Liverpool
(2) Barcelona
(3) Arsenal
(4) Inter Milan
(5) Atletico Madrid
(6) Bayer Leverkusen
(7) Lille
(8) Aston Villa
Clubs that have qualified for the Champions League playoffs
(1) Atalanta
(2) Borussia Dortmund
(3) Real Madrid
(4) Bayern Munich
(5) AC Milan
(6) PSV
(7) PSG
(8) Benfica
(9) Monaco
(10) Stade Brestios
(11) Feyenoord
(12) Juventus
(13) Celtic
(14) Manchester City
(15) Sporting Lisbon
(16) Club Brugge
When is the draw for the UEFA Champions League playoffs?
There will be two draws after the completion of the league phase. The first draw on Friday, January 31, 2025, will determine which of the two options each team will get in the knockout play-off. For example, a team finishing 13th will find out whether they are playing against the team finishing 19th or 20th.
The seeded teams (ninth-16th) will have the second leg at home and those play-off round matches take place on February 11th and 12th and February 18/19.
That draw will then determine who they face in the round of 16, and ultimately map out their full path to the final.
Read the Latest Sports News and get fresh updates on X and Facebook
Source
Leave a Reply