Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.

Pep Guardiola did not hold back his honest assessment of Manchester City's Champions League hopes this season. Manchester City saved their Champions League season with a 3–1 victory over Club Brugge on the final day of the Champions League league phase.

Pep Guardiola said he cannot see Manchester City winning the Champions League on current form, but believes his side will be better when they face the might of either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich next month.