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

Pep Guardiola admitted his Manchester City team face a ‘really tough’ task to progress in the Champions League after being drawn against Real Madrid of Bayern Munich in the play-offs. Man City avoided an embarrassing Champions League exit by coming from behind to beat Club Brugge 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.