Man City rally late to secure Champions League knockout spot

But City coach Pep Guardiola has admitted his side are far from their best ahead of a potential clash with Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

City, who won the competition in 2023, risked a shock early exit and needed a second-half comeback to avoid elimination. Raphael Onyedika put Brugge ahead just before half-time, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.

However, Mateo Kovacic sparked the turnaround with a superb strike early in the second half before Joel Ordonez turned Josko Gvardiol's cross into his own net.

Savinho sealed the victory late on, converting John Stones' pass at the near post.

Despite the win, Guardiola admitted City are struggling to reach the level required to challenge for the title again.

"Right now, no. I'm so realistic," said Guardiola when asked if his side could retain the trophy. "Madrid are back in terms of results, Bayern have been incredible under Vinny (Kompany). If we played tomorrow, it would be difficult, but in two weeks, we don't know."

City have also been inconsistent in the Premier League, sitting fourth and trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points.

However, Guardiola is hopeful the return of key players and new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis will boost their form.

"At least lately, we are getting results," he added. "We are still in the FA Cup, and sometimes the mindset changes. I'm pretty sure we will try and create problems for Madrid or Bayern."

City's dramatic win highlighted the unpredictability of the Champions League's new Swiss model, with Guardiola acknowledging the format made the group stage more intense.

"As a spectator, it is exciting," he said. "But we were 45 minutes from being out. It is a lessonâ”nothing is taken for granted."

With their place in the last 16 secured, City now turn their attention to their upcoming league and cup challenges, knowing a much-improved performance will be needed in the next round.

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