Manchester City managed to secure a spot in the play-off round of the Champions League after coming from behind to defeat Club Brugge on Wednesday.
The 2023 champions were at risk of missing out on the knockout stages for the first time in almost a decade after conceding a goal to Raphael Onyedika in the crucial match at the Etihad Stadium.
However, they fought back in the second half with goals from Mateo Kovavic, an own goal from Joel Ordonez, and a goal from substitute Savinho, leading them to a 3-1 victory.
The win brought relief to the fans as City climbed to 22nd place in the league standings, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
Although their performance was not flawless, the result was all that mattered in what has been a disappointing season for them.
Despite the defeat, the Belgian team could take comfort in knowing that they would also advance to the next round.
City faced early troubles as a merchandise kiosk outside the stadium caught fire before the match, but they managed to turn things around in the second half to avoid a disaster.
After a series of poor results in the group stage, including a loss to Sporting Lisbon and a draw with Feyenoord, City needed a win to stay in contention.
Guardiola's side dominated possession throughout the match, but struggled to break through Brugge's defense and were at risk of conceding on counter-attacks.
Despite early chances for both teams, it was Brugge who scored first through Onyedika just before half-time.
City responded strongly in the second half, with Kovacic equalizing and Ordonez unintentionally scoring an own goal to put City ahead.
Both teams had opportunities to score, but it was City's substitute Savinho who sealed the victory with a calm finish past the Brugge goalkeeper.
With the win, it was confirmed that both Manchester City and Club Brugge would progress to the next stage of the competition.