Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.

Pep Guardiola kicked out at a drinks cooler in a moment of relief as Manchester City avoided an early exit from the Champions League.

Manchester City scored three second half goals to come back from the brink of elimination and advance to the UEFA Champions League’s inaugural knockout round playoffs following a thrilling 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday night.

On the final matchday of the league phase, Manchester City punched their ticket to the Champions League knockout stage with a 3–1 victory over Club Brugge.

His side live to fight another day, but Pep Guardiola is in no doubt that whatever Friday's Champions League draw holds for Manchester City, his side will be underdogs. Winning the competition entirely?

MANCHESTER CITY 3-1 CLUB BRUGES - OLIVER HOLT AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: We need not have worried. Pep Guardiola need not have worried as they came from behind to win.

Manchester City avoided Champions League humiliation. Now back to the job of salvaging the Premier League season.

A fire broke out in a merchandise stall outside the Etihad shortly before kick-off in tonight’s crucial Champions League fixture between Manchester City and Club Brugge.

Guardiola has spent his entire Manchester City career urging the team to slow their play, now he's telling them to go direct. Why?

Manchester City are enduring by far their toughest season since the arrival of Pep Guardiola, and arguably since Roberto Mancini took charge. Their spiral kicked off with the cruciate ligament injury

The relentless assault continued, and in the 77th minute, Savinho sealed Brugge’s fate. Connecting with a precise cross from John Stones, the Brazilian’s first touch was immaculate, and his lethal finish into the bottom left corner crushed any hopes of a Brugge resurgence.

Manchester City welcome Club Brugge to Etihad Stadium for their biggest game of the season, looking to avoid a catastrophic early exit.