Champions League - Kovacic and Savinho scored as Manchester City defeated Bruges 3-1 to advance to the play-offs

In the final match of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, Manchester City defeated Bruges 3-1 at home. They finally ranked 22nd in the standings with 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, and advanced to the knockout play-offs without any danger.

First Half

Manchester City continued to attack after the opening, but they were unable to break through the opponent's goal. In the 14th minute, Haaland made a pass in the frontcourt, and Foden's shot from the left side of the penalty area went over the crossbar. In the 16th minute, Bernardo Silva Gundogan scored with a header from the edge of the penalty area, but was ruled offside. In the 25th minute, Haaland made another pass, and De Bruyne shot slightly over the bar from the penalty area line.

In the 45th minute, Bruges broke the deadlock: Utegola got rid of Mateus Nunez in a counterattack and made a cross pass, and Onyedika pushed the ball into the goal to score the first goal.

Second Half

In the second half, Manchester City fought hard to attack the opponent's defense despite falling behind by one goal. In the 47th minute, De Bruyne made a cross from the left, and Stones headed the ball from close range but it went slightly wide. In the 52nd minute, Silva made a diagonal pass from the front of the penalty area, and Foden followed up with a volley that went over the crossbar.

In the 53rd minute, Kovacic got the ball in the midfield and advanced to the top of the arc to score with a low shot, helping Manchester City to equalize the score. Manchester City's goal was also threatened in the next 3 minutes: first, Zolis leaned in the penalty area After passing the ball, Vanaken followed up with a shot that was blocked by Ederson's legs; Vanaken then made a one-two pass with Zolis from the left and shot at the goal, but was blocked by Ederson.

In the 62nd minute, Savinho sent a straight pass from the left front field, and Gvardiol made a cross pass, causing Ordonez in front of the goal to score an own goal. This sudden situation boosted Manchester City's morale while leading 2-1. Zhen: In the 73rd minute, Haaland made a steal in the frontcourt and went straight into the penalty area. His single shot was blocked by Mignolet. In the 77th minute, Stones made a precise long pass in the frontcourt and Savinho stopped the ball with his chest in the penalty area. After that, he volleyed the ball into the net. With his crucial goal, Manchester City finally reversed the game 3-1.