Player Ratings as Man City Scrape Past Club Brugge to Reach Champions League Play-Offs

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EPL Index

·29 January 2025

Player Ratings as Man City Scrape Past Club Brugge to Reach Champions League Play-Offs

Manchester City Overcome Club Brugge in Tense Champions League Encounter

Manchester City clinched their spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages in a dramatic fashion, turning around a match against Club Brugge to win 3-1. The fixture, filled with tension and high stakes, unfolded at the Etihad Stadium, reflecting the gravity of their situation in the competition.

Early Struggles Lead to Tactical Shifts

The first half was marked by Manchester City’s visible struggle to penetrate Club Brugge’s defence, underscored by Ilkay Gundogan’s disallowed goal for offside. Despite a subdued atmosphere, which didn’t quite mirror the importance of the occasion, the home side failed to test Club Brugge’s goalkeeper Simon Mignolet significantly.

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Club Brugge, seizing the opportunity to counter City’s lacklustre performance, ended the half on a high note. Raphael Onyedika’s first-ever Champions League goal just before the interval gave the visitors a lead, following an excellent setup by Ferran Jutgla.

City’s Comeback Ignited by Substitutions

Following the break, Manchester City exhibited a renewed vigour. While John Stones missed a crucial chance to level the score, it was Mateo Kovacic who equalised shortly after, turning the match’s momentum in City’s favour. The match saw a complete transformation with City’s increased offensive pressure leading to a self-inflicted goal by Club Brugge’s young defender Joel Ordonez, putting City ahead.

The tactical substitutions made by Pep Guardiola proved pivotal. Savinho, brought on in the second half, added a third goal for City, capitalising on a precise pass from Stones. This goal not only secured the win but also allowed City to control the game tempo for the final stretch.

Photo: IMAGO

Player Ratings Highlight Key Performances

Manchester City

GK: Ederson – 6
RB: Matheus Nunes – 7
CB: John Stones – 9
CB: Manuel Akanji – 7
LB: Josko Gvardiol – 7
DM: Mateo Kovacic – 8
RM: Bernardo Silva – 7
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – 6
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – 8
LM: Phil Foden – 7
ST: Erling Haaland – 7
SUB: Savinho – 7 (46′ for Gundogan)
SUB: Rico Lewis – 6 (81′ for De Bruyne)

Club Brugge

GK: Simon Mignolet – 6
RB: Joaquin Seys – 6
CB: Joel Ordonez – 5
CB: Brandon Mechele – 7
LB: Maxim De Cuyper – 6
CM: Raphael Onyedika – 7
CM: Ardon Jashari – 6
AM: Hans Vanaken – 7
RW: Chemsdine Talbi – 6
ST: Ferran Jutgla – 7
LW: Alexandros Tzolis – 6
SUB: Michal Skoras – 6 (70′ for Talbi)
SUB: Hugo Vetlesen – 6 (70′ for Tzolis)
SUB: Romeo Vermant – 6 (70′ for Jutgla)

Key Takeaways from the Match

This match was a critical testament to Manchester City’s resilience and tactical acuity under pressure. Despite a challenging first half, City’s ability to regroup and capitalise on strategic changes underscores why they remain formidable contenders in the UEFA Champions League.

As the tournament progresses, the adaptability and depth of the squad will be crucial for Manchester City, especially in high-stakes matches like this one. Meanwhile, Club Brugge, despite the loss, showcased commendable skill and determination that they will hope to carry into their future European outings.