Erling Haaland ended his five-game scoring drought as Manchester City secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Galatasaray and advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Victory was the only acceptable result for Josep Guardiola’s side on the back of last week’s shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt, but they were still relying on other teams to slip in to secure a top-eight finish. The City granted their wishes.
With Real Madrid, PSG and Newcastle all eliminated, City followed up in the first half with Haaland scoring his first goal in an exhibition match since the start of the year and Rayan Cherki scoring a strong second goal. Both hits were teed up by the electric Jeremy Doc, who then forced him to grab his calf.
Rayan Cherki has found the net eight times in all competitions since joining Man City in the summer.
By finishing the league phase in 8th place, City narrowly avoided the undesirable fixture headache of a play-off draw in February and instead progressed straight to the round of 16 in March, where they will face either Benfica, Bodo/Glimt, Inter Milan or Real Madrid. Galatasaray didn’t contribute much on the night, but still managed to finish in 20th place.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea completed the top eight, dominated by Premier League teams, with Newcastle the only English team to be eliminated after a disappointing draw with PSG.
Analysis: Pep celebrates landmark win
Rayan Cherki wins Man City vs. Galatasaray 2-0
Laura Hunter on Sky Sports at the Etihad Stadium:
Manager Josep Guardiola will be extremely satisfied with the result, which was his 569th competitive match in charge of Manchester City. He achieved a whopping 400 wins.
There were some challenges on the roads during this qualifying campaign, but nothing compared to last year’s potholes. City were able to overcome the setback well, but they will undoubtedly need to improve if they are to advance in this competition.
But considering their season, two fewer games in February is invaluable. Erling Haaland returned in goal and scored the opening goal with the composure of a striker who was scoring every week, while Rayan Cherki continues to grow in stature and influence.
No Premier League player has been involved in more goals in all competitions since the start of December (11 goals).
With a quiet February, could Man City’s title shot up?
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Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones said:
For Manchester City, avoiding the Champions League play-offs could be one of the defining moments of their campaign. In Guardiola’s world, where control, rhythm and fitness are important, the added rest is absolutely huge.
After City’s trip to Fulham on February 11, the calendar suddenly softens in a way that rarely happens for elite clubs at this stage of the season. They have 10 days and their only commitment is to play Salford at home in the FA Cup. No stress or travel in Europe. A truly relaxing space.
The Champions League play-offs are a tough test. These are two high-stress matches that require mental investment and full physical exertion. By avoiding them, City gain something far more valuable than momentum. Citi can narrow its focus.
As his routine stabilizes, the Premier League becomes a clear target. That calmness is something Guardiola’s team thrives on when the pressure mounts, especially in March and April. And as the Premier League enters a decisive phase, don’t be surprised if this quiet piece of fate plays a huge role in the development of the title race.
Pep happy to avoid tricky knockout round
Man City manager Josep Guardiola:
“There’s a lot of things to improve on, but considering how the Champions League went, I’m really happy to finish in the top eight. When I started here, the Champions League was a different type of competition. Today every team is really, really tough.”
“We had a clear chance to score more, but it was a risk. Considering how many top teams are in the top eight, it’s very difficult[to qualify automatically]. Even winning in Norway is difficult.”
“I’m glad I won’t be playing in the knockout stages and I hope I can arrive in March in the best possible condition. Of course, I should rest.”
On Jeremy Dok’s injury: “Calf, he felt something. Jeremy has these issues and it requires effort. Hopefully in March he will be ready to help us.”
