Erling Haaland ended his five-game goal drought as Manchester City booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a simple 2-0 win over Galatasaray.
Against the backdrop of last week's shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt, victory was the only acceptable result for Pep Guardiola's side, while still relying on others to slip up in order to secure a top-eight finish. City got their wish.
While Real Madrid, PSG and Newcastle all fell away, City took care of business in the first half of their tie as Haaland scored his first goal from open play since the turn of the year, and Rayan Cherki followed up with a well-worked second. Both strikes were teed up by the electric Jeremy Doku before he was forced off clutching his calf.
An eighth-place league phase finish means City narrowly avoid the unwanted fixture headache of a play-off tie in February, instead progressing straight to the round of 16 in March, where they will face one of Benfica, Bodo/Glimt, Inter Milan or Real Madrid. Galatasaray, who offered very little on the night, still sneak through in 20th place.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea complete a top-eight dominated by Premier League teams, with Newcastle the only English side to miss out after being held to a .
Your Site' Laura Hunter at Etihad Stadium:
Pep Guardiola will take a lot of satisfaction from that result, on what was his 569th game in charge of Manchester City in all competitions. It brings up a staggering 400 wins.
There have been a couple of bumps in the road during this qualifying campaign but nothing compared to last year's potholes. City were able to style out setbacks, but make no mistake, they will need to improve to go deep in this competition.
In the context of their season, though, two fewer games in February is invaluable. Erling Haaland is back among the goals, taking his opener with all the composure of a striker who had been scoring every week, while Rayan Cherki continues to grow in stature and influence.
No Premier League player has more goal involvements since the start of December in all competitions than him (11).
Your Site' Lewis Jones:
For Manchester City, avoiding the Champions League play-offs could prove to be one of the defining moments of their campaign. In Guardiola's world, where control, rhythm and physical condition are king, the added rest is absolutely massive.
After City travel to Fulham on February 11, the calendar suddenly softens in a way that elite clubs rarely experience at this stage of the season. A 10-day window opens up where the only commitment is a home FA Cup tie against Salford. No European stress and travel. Just breathing space.
The Champions League play-offs are brutal examinations: two high-stress games that demand full emotional investment and total physical output. By bypassing them, City gain something far more valuable than momentum. City can narrow their focus.
The Premier League becomes the clear target as their routine stabilises. That calm is something Guardiola's sides thrive on, especially when the pressure ramps up in March and April. And when the Premier League enters its decisive phase, don't be surprised if this quiet slice of fixture fortune plays a very loud role in how the title race unfolds.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola:
"A lot of things to improve, but really pleased to finish top eight considering how the Champions League has become. When I started here the Champions League was a different type of competition. Today every team is really, really tough.
"We had clear chances to score more. It's risky. Considering how many top, top teams are out of the top eight, it's so difficult [to qualify automatically]. Even winning in Norway, it's difficult.
"Pleased we don't play the knockout stage and hopefully we can arrive in March at our best. Of course it's better to rest."
On Jeremy Doku's injury: "The calf, he felt something. Jeremy has had these problems, with the demands on his effort. Hopefully in March he can be ready to help us."
