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Manchester City take on Club Brugge in the final round of matches in the Champions League’s initial league phase, with three points a must for the hosts in order to progress.
The 4-2 loss to PSG last week means that City begin the day languishing outside of the play-off spots in 25th position. It has raised the unthinkable scenario of a club that won this competition less than two years ago, and possesses such wealth of talent, missing out on the knockout rounds – though there is hope. A win tonight would lift Pep Guardiola’s side above their opponents and book their spot in the two-legged play-off rround.
A win will not come easy, though, with Club Brugge having plenty play for. They sit 20th ahead of the start of the final round of fixtures with a hectic night across Europe in store.
Follow all of the latest from the Etihad Stadium in our live blog below:
Kyle Walker reveals ‘uncomfortable’ exit talks with Pep Guardiola after joining AC Milan
Walker has joined AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season in a deal that includes an option to stay at the San Siro permanently in the summer.
The 34-year-old has been a staple for both City and England over the past seven years, winning 17 trophies at the Etihad after moving from Tottenham for £45m in 2017. But he found himself on the periphery at times this season and requested to leave in order to play more minutes.
Mike Jones29 January 2025 19:00
Club Brugge line-up versus Man City
Club Brugge XI: Mignolet; Seys, Ordonez, Mechele, DE Cuyper; Onyedika, Jashasri; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:56
Foden on City’s targets this year
Man City’s Phil Foden spoke to the Manchester Evening News about what he is expecting to achieve this season and named winning the Champions League trophy as one of the goals.
Foden said: “I think finishing at least top four in the Premier League, aiming to win the Champions League, and the FA Cup as well [are our targets].
“Even though it’s been a challenging season, we’ve still got things to look forward to. It was only last season when we won the league.
“Because we’re having a bit of a blip, we can’t lose belief in that. I still believe we can do good things and come back from this.”
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:55
Update from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:
“Just before 6pm this evening (Wednesday 29th January), two fire engines from Blackley and Philips Park fire station were called to reports of a building fire involving an outbuilding on the car park of the football ground on Rowsley Street, Manchester.
“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to extinguish the fire, they are currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe.
“Firefighters have been in attendance for around thirty minutes and are still at the scene.”
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:51
Man City line-ups versus Club Brugge
Man City XI: Ederson, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland
Subs: Ortega, Carson, Grealish, Savinho, Wright, Alleyne, O’Reilly, Lewis, McAtee
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:48
Man City release statement over Etihad Stadium fire
Man City posted this statement on social media:
“Manchester City FC can confirm that there has been a fire in one of the outside merchandise kiosks, located near the entrance to the Colin Bell West Stand.
“Emergency services are present at the scene and the fire has now been extinguished.
“The safety of all attending the match tonight is our top priority, and as such all events planned for West Stand reception have been cancelled, including the welcome event for new players, and the first team arrival.”
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:44
‘It’s important to stand up to Man City’
Speaking at a pre-match press conference yesterday, Club Brugge goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, said: “We have fought to be here and tomorrow we have to put the icing on the cake.
“It will be important to stand up to Man City and show our quality.
“We will not look at the results of the other matches, we will focus on our game.
“We will have to be at our very best against Man City.”
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:40
Pre-match thoughts from Club Brugge coach
Club Brugge coach, Nicky Hayen, said: “Man City are a very clinical team in front of goal because they have a lot of quality.
“We know what we will have to do for 90 minutes.
“We have already proven in our Champions League campaign that we can play with courage, and we will do the same.”
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:35
Get ready for chaos on Champions League’s final night
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:30
Man City have to punish Club Brugge’s weaknesses
“I expect a tough, tough opponent,” said Pep Guardiola when previewing tonight’s match.
“When a team is 20 games unbeaten – no losses – it is because they are good. There are no secrets about that.
“I saw their games and I saw the reason they beat Aston Villa, Juventus, Milan they played good. Celtic in Glasgow … they did really well.
“Different variations in the build-up and the man marking situation is always uncomfortable. We have to read well what we have to do.
“But every team – Manchester City included- has weaknesses. You have to discover them and punish them.”
Mike Jones29 January 2025 18:25