By Olaitan Ibrahim
Manchester City stormed into the Champions League knockout stage with a commanding 3-1 victory over Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium, rendering Raphael Onyedika’s early brilliance meaningless in the face of their relentless second-half onslaught.
The Belgian side stunned the crowd in the 45th minute when Nigerian international Onyedika unleashed a sublime shot into the bottom right corner, sending shockwaves through Pep Guardiola’s camp.
Club Brugge held their ground as the first half ended with the underdogs in the lead.
However, City, knowing the stakes, emerged from the break with fury. Mateo Kovačić ignited the comeback in the 53rd minute, weaving through defenders before smashing a thunderous strike past Simon Mignolet to level the score.
With the momentum shifting, Brugge’s luck ran out in the 62nd minute when Joel Ordóñez, under immense pressure, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing City a crucial lead.
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.
Despite their valiant effort, the Belgian side was outgunned and outclassed. City dominated possession, controlling the tempo with 70% of the ball, leaving Brugge chasing shadows for much of the second half.
Phil Foden came close to adding a fourth in stoppage time, unleashing a ferocious shot that was only denied by Mignolet’s stunning reflexes.