Manchester City beat Galatasaray 2-0 at the Etihad to finish eighth in the Champions League league phase and secure direct passage to the last 16.
Manchester City secured a crucial 2-0 win over Galatasaray to sneak into the Champions League top eight. The result spared Pep Guardiola’s side a February play-off. City did their part efficiently at the Etihad Stadium. Other results later confirmed their progress. Relief followed an anxious European campaign.
City began with intent and created chances immediately. Erling Haaland missed an early header from close range. He quickly made amends in the 10th minute. Jeremy Doku slipped a perfect pass through the defence. Haaland calmly lifted the ball over Ugurcan Cakir.
City continued to dominate possession and territory. Nico O’Reilly forced a sharp save from Cakir with a long-range effort. The second goal arrived on 29 minutes. Doku again provided the spark down the left. Rayan Cherki swept home a composed finish from the edge of the box.
The only sour note came before the break. Doku hobbled off with a calf injury after creating both goals. He left to a standing ovation. Guardiola was forced into an early change. The momentum remained firmly with City.
Galatasaray improved after the interval. Victor Osimhen became their main threat. Gianluigi Donnarumma denied him with two solid saves. City defended calmly without dropping deep. The visitors struggled to create clear chances.
City controlled long spells of the match. They finished with 1.64 expected goals. Galatasaray managed just 0.22. The home side registered more shots and greater possession. The contest rarely felt in doubt.
Despite the win, City’s fate was not sealed at full time. Players and fans checked scores elsewhere. A Benfica victory over Real Madrid was required. That result eventually arrived. City climbed into eighth place.
Haaland’s finish ended a long open play drought. It was his first such goal since December. Cherki impressed between the lines with sharp movement. O’Reilly offered control in midfield. Donnarumma provided calm assurance at the back.
Guardiola praised his players for handling pressure. He highlighted the difficulty of the new format. City avoided two extra matches next month. Fitness and recovery now take priority. The manager welcomed the breathing space.
Galatasaray finished 20th in the table. They still earned a play-off place. Former City players Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane were largely quiet. The Turkish side showed spirit but lacked cutting edge. Their European journey continues.
Manchester City return to Premier League action on Sunday. They travel to Tottenham for a challenging away fixture. Galatasaray host Kayserispor domestically on the same day. Both sides now shift focus. The Champions League resumes later.
