Manchester City’s reward for reaching the next round of the Champions League is a tough test against elite opposition.
Image credit: Premier League
Manchester City have secured their spot in the Champions League knockout play-offs, setting up a possible showdown against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Pep Guardiola’s side entered their final league phase match outside the top 24, needing a win to progress.
Things looked bleak at halftime as they trailed 1-0 to Club Brugge following Raphael Onyedika’s goal.
However, a spirited second-half performance saw City fight back with goals from Mateo Kovacic, an own goal from Joel Ordonez, and a strike from substitute Savinho to seal a 3-1 victory.
City finished 22nd in the standings, pairing them with fellow British club Celtic, who ended in 21st place after losing 4-2 to Aston Villa.
The draw on Friday will determine whether they face Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, who finished 11th and 12th, respectively.
A Nightmare Draw for City?
With Real and Bayern finishing between 9th and 16th, the second leg of their knockout play-off ties will be at home, giving them an advantage.
If City are drawn against Bayern, it would mark the return of former club captain Vincent Kompany to the Etihad.
A tie with Real Madrid, on the other hand, would present City with a chance for revenge after being knocked out on penalties in last season’s quarter-finals.
Should City and Celtic overcome their tough opponents, they will then face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last-16 round.
What About Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa?
Unlike City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa have all secured direct qualification to the last 16 after finishing in the top eight. However, their road to the quarter-finals won’t be easy:
