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.

Victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday night ensured Manchester City's place in the Champions League play-offs - where Bayern Munich or Real Madrid await

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that playing against Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the upcoming Champions League knockout rounds will be a significant challenge. However, he