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.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola said he is aware of the financial implications of failing to reach the Champions League knockout stages as his side head into Wednesday's final group game against Club Brugge needing a win to stay in the hunt.