Pep Guardiola expresses his concerns about facing Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in Champions League - but insists Manchester City 'can compete'
Pep Guardiola expresses his concerns about facing Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in Champions League - but insists Manchester City 'can compete'
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Pep Guardiola acknowledged the significant challenge ahead for his Manchester City side as they prepare to take on either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-offs. The Premier League giants narrowly avoided an early exit from the competition after staging a comeback to defeat Club Brugge 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
![[The Premier League giants narrowly avoided an early exit from the competition after staging a comeback to defeat Club Brugge]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/06/94669297-14341189-image-a-2_1738219683125.jpg)
The defending champions found themselves in trouble when Raphael Onyedika fired the Belgian side into the lead just before the half-time whistle. Had the result remained the same for the entire game, City - who were sitting outside of the top 24 teams in the competition - could have been eliminated from the Champions League.
![[Reflecting on his team's performance, Guardiola acknowledged their sluggish start but praised their second-half improvement]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/06/94669307-14341189-image-a-1_1738219680429.jpg)
However, they responded swiftly after the break, with Mateo Kovacic surging forward and placing a composed finish into the bottom corner to level the score just eight minutes into the second half. The turnaround continued nine minutes later when Joel Ordonez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Savinho then sealed the victory with a late goal, ensuring City's place in the next round.
![[Former City goalkeeper Joe Hart is eagerly anticipating the upcoming draw, especially with Bayern Munich now managed by Vincent Kompany]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/30/06/94669325-14341189-image-a-5_1738219773159.jpg)
Pep Guardiola acknowledged the significant challenge ahead for his Man City side in Europe. The Premier League giants narrowly avoided an early exit from the competition after staging a comeback to defeat Club Brugge. Reflecting on his team's performance, Guardiola acknowledged their sluggish start but praised their second-half improvement.
