Manchester City Must Beat Brugge to Avoid Group Stage Exit

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described his team’s Champions League situation as “an opportunity” rather than a “problem” as they look to avoid elimination at the group stage. The defending champions sit 25th in the 36-team group, two points away from a knockout stage qualification spot. To stay in the competition, City must defeat Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Guardiola emphasized the importance of the game, likening it to a knockout fixture where a win ensures progression.

Despite their position, Guardiola sees this challenge as a chance for his team to prove themselves. City received a boost with Oscar Bobb’s return from injury, having missed five months due to a broken leg. Guardiola is treating the match as a must-win, acknowledging City’s underperformance so far in the competition. A loss would end Manchester City’s European campaign for the season, as they wouldn’t drop to the Europa League.

Additionally, failing to progress could cost the club up to €64.5m (£54.1m) in prize money, impacting their transfer market flexibility. Historically, City has failed to exit the group stage twice in 2011-12 and 2012-13. However, they have consistently advanced since then, winning the Champions League in 2023. Other major clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester United, have also faced early exits in recent years.

Manchester City has a 63.8% chance of beating Club Brugge and progressing to the knockout stage, though their chances of reaching the last 16 drop to 41.1%. Club Brugge currently in good form, poses a strong challenge, having gone unbeaten since October and securing a key home win against Aston Villa.