Man City vs Club Brugge | Champions League | League Stage | Pre Match

Manchester City head into the final league phase matchday of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League with a simple task: win, and they stay alive in the competition, with three points guaranteeing progression to the knockout stage play-offs. Anything less than that will see them eliminated. Given that 24 of the 36 teams in the expanded league phase qualify, failure to progress for a team like City would be shocking.

They currently sit outside the top 24 places following a spectacular collapse on Matchday 7 away to Paris Saint-Germain. Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland struck early in the second half to give Man City a 2-0 lead. But then came a dramatic fightback from the home side, as PSG scored four unanswered goals to keep their own Champions League hopes alive. Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos all scored as City faced a second-half siege in Paris. The 26 shots against City in that game was the most they’ve faced in a Champions League match since September 2012 (35 vs Real Madrid).

After another spectacular collapse earlier in the campaign against Feyenoord, drawing 3-3 after being 3-0 up, their defeat in Paris underscored the underlying fragility that has plagued City’s season. They have dropped eight points from winning positions in the Champions League this season, with only RB Leipzig (9) losing more. This inconsistency has been uncharacteristic for a team managed by Pep Guardiola, who has typically instilled discipline and control over the game. The challenge now is to refocus, regain composure, and ensure their European campaign does not end prematurely.

Given that a win guarantees progression, City can take confidence from their formidable home record: they are unbeaten in their last 33 Champions League matches at the Etihad Stadium (W28 D5). The Etihad has long been a fortress, where City have dismantled top teams with their high-intensity pressing, quick passing, and clinical finishing. Fans will hope that history repeats itself against Club Brugge, a team that, despite their strong form, lacks City’s overall firepower and squad depth.

Club Brugge, who sit 20th in the table and three points above City, will qualify if they avoid defeat in Manchester. With their current 16-match unbeaten streak, they may fancy their chances. They extended that run at the weekend, albeit in a disappointing draw against relegation-battlers Kortrijk. Despite that setback, Nicky Hayen’s side remain firmly in the title hunt in the Belgian Pro League, sitting just three points off leaders Gent. Brugge have exceeded expectations in Europe this season, proving themselves resilient and difficult to break down, characteristics they will rely on at the Etihad.

Their unbeaten run includes four impressive Champions League results against Aston Villa (1-0), Celtic (1-1), Sporting CP (2-1) and Juventus (0-0). Only once before have they enjoyed a longer undefeated streak in a single European Cup/Champions League campaign (five games in 1976-77). Brugge are no pushovers and have a lot riding on the outcome of this game. Their defensive discipline and ability to counter-attack quickly could pose problems for City, especially if the hosts fail to manage the game effectively and leave gaps at the back.

Manchester City’s trio of new signings – Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis – are ineligible to play. They will also be without Rúben Dias, who was injured against PSG. Nathan Aké remains a doubt, while Guardiola confirmed Jérémy Doku will be out as well. The absence of Dias is particularly concerning, given his leadership and defensive solidity. Without him, City’s backline will need to be extra vigilant against Brugge’s quick attacking transitions.

Club Brugge have just one major concern for Wednesday’s contest: captain Hans Vanaken missed the weekend draw due to illness and is a slight doubt for the trip to Manchester. Vanaken’s presence in midfield is crucial for Brugge, and his potential absence could shift the balance in City’s favor. However, Brugge will still be determined to take something from this match, knowing that a point could be enough to secure their qualification.

Manchester City have won both previous meetings with Club Brugge, winning 5-1 away and 4-1 at home during the 2021-22 Champions League group stage. Those results highlight the gap in quality between the two teams, but Brugge will believe they are a different side now, more structured and prepared for a high-stakes encounter. City, however, will be eager to replicate past successes and deliver a dominant performance to silence any lingering doubts about their ability to perform on the big stage.

Club Brugge have never won away to English opposition in European competition in 14 previous attempts (D2 L12, including qualifiers). Only Anderlecht (19 games) and Dynamo Kyiv (15 games) have played more such games without ever recording a win in England. The historical statistics are against them, but Brugge have shown that they are not to be underestimated. With everything on the line, both teams are expected to battle fiercely, making for a dramatic and intense showdown at the Etihad Stadium.