Manchester City beat Club Brugge in a huge Champions League showdown and avoided a shock elimination in the process. Pep Guardiola's side knew only a win would be enough for a place in the playoff round and the Spaniard needed to inspire his players.
Trailing at the break to Raphael Onyedika’s effort that whistled past Ederson, City were on the brink of elimination from European competition altogether, but the half-time substitution of Savinho replacing Ilkay Gundogan changed everything and early in the second half, Mateo Kovacic was allowed to charge through the middle unmarked and he slotted the ball past Simon Mignolet for the equaliser.
Just after the hour mark the comeback was complete as Joel Ordonez could only turn the ball into his own net when attempting to cut out Josko Gvardiol’s teasing cross. From there, City’s task was to hold on from a leading position which something they have struggled with on many occasions this season. However, Savinho made the game safe in the 77th minute with his first ever Champions League goal.
Man City, who face Arsenal in the Premier League at the weekend, turn their attentions to Friday when they will discover their fate in the Champions League play-off draw.
Man City vs Club Brugge latest news
- GOAL! Savinho seals victory
- GOAL! Ordonez gifts home side the lead
- GOAL! Kovacic equalises early in second half
- GOAL! Onyedika silences the Etihad
- Gundogan goal ruled out
Match report
21:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMan City didn't make it easy but they qualify for the Champions League play-off stage.
FT: Man City 3-1 Club Brugge
21:48 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd that’s it!
Massive second half turnaround for Man City as they come from a goal down to win 3-1 and reach the Champions League playoff.
Club Brugge are also heading through, as things stand.
Man City 3-1 Club Brugge
21:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: The two managers have already shaken hands, they know this one is over.
Man City 3-1 Club Brugge
21:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: Very strange ending to this game in comparison to how fast the second half started.
Both teams are set to qualify for the play-off, so the remaining two minutes look set to be played out at walking pace.
Man City 3-1 Club Brugge
21:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne85 min: Very little urgency from Man City, as you would expect given their position.
Club Brugge, as things stand, are going through to the play-offs too.
Man City 3-1 Club Brugge
21:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: Kevin De Bruyne is replaced by Rico Lewis.
The midfielder wasn’t at his brilliant best today and is being saved for Arsenal on Sunday.
GOAL! Man City 3-1 Club Brugge | Savinho '77
21:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: That should seal it!
John Stones picks out Savinho, the Brazilian takes a touch before firing past Mignolet.
Man City 2-1 Club Brugge
21:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Erling Haaland is denied by a great save by Simon Mignolet.
The rebound falls to Savinho whose goalbound effort is superbly cleared off the line by Mechele.
Two big chances to wrap the game up.
Man City 2-1 Club Brugge
21:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne70 min: Club Brugge are such a threat on the counter attack.
Talbi shifts the ball quickly and shoots but is denied by Ederson.
That’s the winger’s last action as he, Tzolis and Jutgla are replaced by Vetlesen, Vermant and Skoras.
Man City 2-1 Club Brugge
21:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne64 min: Phil Foden has a penalty claim waved away as Man City push for a third.
Despite the turnaround, those inside the Etihad Stadium know too well that this side have had issues holding on to leads this season.
GOAL! Man City 2-1 Club Brugge | Joel Ordóñez own goal '62
21:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: MAN CITY LEAD
Unfortunate moment for Club Brugge as Joel Ordóñez turns the ball into his own net following Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
Man City 1-1 Club Brugge
21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Kevin De Bruyne has a shot saved by Mignolet at one end before Tzolis sees his effort drift just wide of the post with Ederson stranded.
What a final 30 mins we have in store here!
Man City 1-1 Club Brugge
21:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne54 min: Club Brugge remind City what they can do on the counter as Tzolis goes close before the offside flag goes up.
He then has a shot saved by Ederson.
In the midst of all this, Pep Guardiola has been booked.
GOAL! Man City 1-1 Club Brugge | Mateo Kovacic '52
21:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: MAN CITY EQUALISE
Mateo Kovacic is afforded far too much space and he strides through the middle and places the ball past Simon Mignolet.
GAME ON!
Man City 0-1 Club Brugge
21:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: No surprise that Man City are playing with greater urgency and the crowd have certainly woken up.
Kovacic sees an effort blocked whilst Foden fires an effort over the bar.
Man City 0-1 Club Brugge
21:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: GREAT CHANCE
Kevin De Bruyne swings the ball in after a quick corner, he picks out John Stones but he heads wide when it looked easier to score.
MASSIVE CHANCE.
Man City 0-1 Club Brugge
21:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in Manchester.
Pep Guardiola has turned to his bench. Savinho is on for Gundogan.
HT: Man City 0-1 Club Brugge
20:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneClub Brugge lead at the break and it’s no less than they deserve.
Man City need two goals without reply otherwise they will be eliminated from Europe altogether.
GOAL! Man City 0-1 Club Brugge | Raphael Onyedika '45
20:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: CLUB BRUGGE LEAD
On the stroke of half-time Raphael Onyedika puts the visitors ahead. It’s a great counter-attacking move, helped by Jutgla easily skipping past Nunes.
The ball falls to Onyedika and his effort just whistles past Ederson
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Nerves inside the Etihad Stadium as Man City haven’t really found top gear so far.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: Club Brugge are certainly carrying a threat, especially down their left-hand side as Tzolis is getting a lot of joy when the visitors counter.
Jashari then shoots from range but Ederson is equal to it.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Bernardo Silva whips a ball into the box looking for Erling Haaland but the cross is slightly too high.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Big block from Manuel Akanji to divert Tzolis’ effort away from goal.
Certainly a few hearts in mouths there!
Got to say, the best opportunities so far have fallen to Club Brugge.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: First time in quite a while that Club Brugge are enjoying some possession in Man City’s half.
However, they quickly lose the ball which allows the hosts to mount another attack.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Still goalless at the Etihad Stadium. As it stands, Man City are going out of Europe.
Plenty of football to be played.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Patient build up from Man City, results with Phil Foden playing a cross right into Mignolet’s hands.
Erling Haaland seemed to have an opportunity to shoot but opted to play the ball out wide instead.
Almost half an hour played and the Club Brugge goal hasn’t been tested as much as many would have expected.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Kevin De Bruyne cuts the ball back for Bernardo Silva who shoots first time but his effort is off target.
A corner was given at first but a change of heart follows and the visitors have a goal kick.
Moments later, Haaland sets De Bruyne free but the Belgian blasts his shot high and wide.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: Club Brugge lose the ball in a dangerous area, Ilkay Gundogan clips the ball to the back post for Erling Haaland who then tries to tee up a teammate instead of going for goal.
Better from City.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne16 min: GOO...NOOO!
Ilkay Gundogan thinks he’s opened the scoring but his effort is ruled out for offside.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: 78% possession for Man City so far. However, they are yet to force Simon Mignolet into a meaningful save.
At the other end, Tzolis spurns a decent opportunity with a poor pass.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne13 min: Phil Foden finds a yard of space and he turns and shoots but his effort is high and wide.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne12 min: City beginning to threaten, Kevin De Bruyne has a cross turned behind for a corner before seeing a shot blocked after quick thinking from Phil Foden.
Ball is then recycled to Foden but his pass for De Bruyne is short and that allows the visitors to regroup.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne9 min: Long spell of sustained pressure for Man City but they can’t find a way past this resolute Club Brugge defence.
The visitors have everyone behind the ball, cutting off all the gaps.
City will have to move the ball a lot more quicker to disrupt the shape.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: The warning signs are there for Man City. The pacy Talbi gets in behind Gvardiol down Club Brugge’s right but his cross is too close to Ederson.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne3 min: A defensive mix-up for Man City puts Tzolis clean through and he has acres of space to move in to.
He picks out Talbi in the middle but his shot is blocked.
Huge let off for Man City.
Man City 0-0 Club Brugge
20:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Confident start from Club Brugge as they look to play out from the back instead of going long.
City win the ball back and Brugge immediately get everyone behind the ball.
A sign of things to come.
KICK-OFF!
20:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this Champions League clash.
A reminder that Man City MUST win tonight, otherwise they'll be eliminated from Europe altogether.
Here we go!
19:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe two teams have emerged from the tunnel area and out onto the pitch.
Time to hear the Champions League anthem followed by player handshakes, the customary team photos and then kick-off.
Club Brugge form
19:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneClub Brugge will start the night as massive underdogs, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The Belgian side have already taken points off Celtic, Aston Villa and Juventus in the League Phase and know a play-off place could be the reward if they avoid defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
Not long now!
19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLess than 10 minutes to go until kick-off at the Etihad Stadium!
Pre-match thoughts from Pep Guardiola
19:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePep Guardiola said he’s hopeful John Stones will be able to complete the full 90 minutes tonight after admitting he had no other choice to name the central defender in the starting XI.
"Ruben is out, the new signings cannot play and Nathan [Ake] also is out,” the Spaniard told TNT Sports. “We had Manu [Akanji] and now John is back."
Champions League permutations
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25th in the table and in the elimination zone by a single place, Manchester City’s fate is very simple.
If they beat Club Brugge at home, they will advance to the play-off round. If they lose or draw, they will be knocked out of the Champions League immediately.
Around the grounds
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s a truly monumental night in the Champions League.
18 fixtures all being played on the same night, at the same time...
Young Boys vs Crvena zvezda
Stuttgart vs PSG
Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig
Sporting CP vs Bologna
Salzburg vs Atletico Madrid
PSV vs Liverpool
Man City vs Club Brugge
Lille vs Feyenoord
Juventus vs Benfica
Inter vs Monaco
Girona vs Arsenal
Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan
Brest vs Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar
Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava
Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague
Barcelona vs Atalanta
Aston Villa vs Celtic
Man City in Europe
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s no surprise Man City find themselves in the elimination zone. They’ve won just twice in the Champions League so far this season and have let leads slip against Feyenoord and Paris Saint-Germain.
Still, three points tonight keeps their European dreams alive.
Man City statement
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneManchester City have issued a statement regarding a potential delay for tonight’s Champions League clash.
“We can confirm that tonight's match will kick off at 8pm as originally planned. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Etihad Stadium for tonight's match.”
We can confirm that tonight's match will kick off at 8pm as originally planned. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Etihad Stadium for tonight's match.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 29, 2025
Guardiola: This is a final
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePep Guardiola has never failed to get out of the Champions League group stage as a manager.
And he's in a bullish mood ahead of tonight's game.
"We know we have to stand up and fight for our place in this competition," he wrote in his programme notes. "We want to be in it and we will do absolutely everything we can to get three points tonight.
"This is a final. But we are here with our people.
"Now it is about playing with personality and being the best we can be. If we do that, I know we can win this match."
John Stones speaks
19:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJohn Stones has been speaking to the media ahead of kick-off.
He touched on Man City’s huge fixture against Club Brugge as well as his return to fitness.
"We know what is expected of us tonight and what is riding on this game, it's time for us to go out and perform."
On his fitness
"It has been a difficult period. I'm just really glad to be back playing and getting the minutes that I have and enjoying that time."
Arrival
19:16 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe hosts have arrived...
The Blues have arrived! 👊 pic.twitter.com/lruqLn8P64
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 29, 2025
UEFA comment
19:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAs per TNT Sports' live coverage, UEFA have made it clear that they still expect this fixture to kick off at 8pm GMT.
This is despite the earlier fire outside the Etihad Stadium.
Man City changes
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePep Guardiola makes two changes to the Manchester City side that beat Chelsea on Saturday.
John Stones and Kevin de Bruyne come into the team in place of January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush, who are ineligible to play until the knock-out stages, if City get there.
Club Brugge team in full
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneClub Brugge XI: Mignolet, De Cuyper, Ordonez, Mechele, Seys, Onyedika, Vanaken (C), Jashari, Tzolis, Talbi, Jutgla
Subs: van den Heuvel, Jackers, Romero, Vetlesen, Vermant, Nilsson, Skoras, Nielsen, Siquet, Spileers, Sabbe
Man City team in full
18:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMan City XI: Ederson, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Foden, Haaland
Subs: Ortega Moreno, Carson, Grealish, Savinho, Wright, Alleyne, O'Reilly, Lewis, McAtee
Club Brugge XI
18:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne...and for the away side
Dream, believe, achieve. Let’s make it 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞! ✨💙🖤 #MCICLU #UCL #PlayForUnforgettable
— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) January 29, 2025
Man City XI
18:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Man City team Pep Guardiola has selected to face Club Brugge...
Tonight’s line-up 💪
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 29, 2025
XI | Ederson, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Foden, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Grealish, Savinho, Wright, Alleyne, O'Reilly, Lewis, McAtee#ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/Spfi6dz1PT
Team news imminent
18:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.
Stay tuned...
Man City statement
18:37 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneManchester City have now issued a statement regarding the incident...
Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 29, 2025
Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished. The safety of all attending the match…
Presentation cancelled
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMan City supporters had gathered for a pre-match entertainment show which included on-stage interviews with January signings Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
However, the event was suspended as flames took hold of the stand and stewards moved fans away before fire services arrived on the scene.
The player presentation has now been cancelled.
Kick-off delayed?
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDue to the merchandise stand that caught fire earlier, it is unknown at this stage whether the incident will affect the scheduled kick-off time of 8pm.
We will keep you posted.
Simon Mignolet on facing Man City
18:27 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFormer Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is set to start for Club Brugge and he is expecting a long night against Man City.
"We want to qualify to go to the play-off round, which would be an unbelievable performance and achievement for us," he said.
"We don't have to look at what the reasons are for Manchester City being in the situation they are in. We only know that when you have to come to the Etihad, it's going to be a tough night, whatever situation they're in.
"Maybe it might even be more difficult because of the situation they are in."
Merchandise stand catches fire
18:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAn area outside the Etihad Stadium had to be evacuated after a merchandise stand caught fire ahead of Manchester City's Champions League game against Club Brugge.
Predicted Man City XI
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneManchester City are counting their wounded as they look to cobble together a defence for this crucial Champions League clash.
Ruben Dias picked up an injury against Paris Saint-Germain and Nathan Ake remains a doubt, meaning Manuel Akanji and John Stones, recently back from injury will start.
Jeremy Doku has been ruled out, so Savinho could come in.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland
Pep's rallying call
18:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePep Guardiola has called on Man City fans to play a crucial role tonight.
“As much as they can will be fine. We have to do the rest,” he told reporters yesterday. “Of course, if we perform well, and we will be in a good rhythm, they will be there like they were against Chelsea in the last game, that we felt more than ever this session that they were with us even though the start was really, really tough.
“We played against them years ago and they’ve made a step up in how aggressive they are, and they play really well with the ball. We have to perform really well to win the game.”
Gvardiol stresses importance of tonight
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJosko Gvardiol says Manchester City's Champions League clash with Club Brugge is like a "cup final".
“I will enjoy it if we win,” he said to reporters yesterday. “Tomorrow is a final for us. We want to be in the next stage.
“Our confidence is quite good. We are at home and we will have a huge spirit from our fans. I think we will be ready tomorrow.”
Man City vs Club Brugge match odds
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMan City to win: 1/7
Draw: 9/2
Club Brugge to win: 10/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Man City vs Club Brugge: Head to head (h2h) history and results
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMan City wins: 2
Draws: 0
Club Brugge wins: 0
History certainly favours Man City, but they've only won once at home in the Champions League this season.
Standard Sport prediction
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneManchester City should have all guns firing as they look for the goals needed to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Club Brugge have their own hopes of a play-off spot on the line, but it will likely be a backs-against-the-wall job at the Etihad for them, and hope results elsewhere go their way.
Man City to win, 3-0.
Club Brugge team news
17:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneClub Brugge are sweating over the fitness of captain Hans Vanaken, who is a doubt for the trip due to illness.
Man City team news
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneManchester City are facing a juggling act in defence amid concerns over John Stones' fitness.
Stones is a doubt for the game after returning from injury in the win over Chelsea on Sunday, potentially leaving Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji as the only fit centre-backs. Ruben Dias has already been ruled out.
Though, in an injury boost for City, Oscar Bobb is potentially in contention to make the matchday squad after returning from a broken leg suffered on the eve of the season.
How to watch: Man City vs Club Brugge
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm GMT.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Welcome
17:29 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester City vs Club Brugge.
It all comes down to the final matchday for Man City to book a place in the Champions League knockout phase.
After letting a 2-0 lead slip against Paris Saint-Germain last week, defeat at the Parc des Princes leaves City needing a win tonight to have any hope of reaching the play-off round.
Pep Guardiola's side will be expected to overcome the Belgian outfit, especially at home, but the visitors know a point should be enough to secure a place in Friday's play-off draw.
What a night potentially in store for us! Kick-off from the Etihad Stadium is at 8pm GMT.
Stay tuned for all the build-up.
