Manchester City 3-1 Club Brugge Player Ratings: The Blues came from behind to earn three crucial points to earn them qualification

The English champions Manchester City hosted Club Brugge from Belgium in the final game week of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25. Man City were stunned in the first half by a well-organized Club Brugge side that was not afraid to push for a win.

The Blues dominated the proceedings but failed to carve out clear chances, which put Pep Guardiola’s side on the verge of a Champions League embarrassment. At the same time, Brugge demonstrated high defensive solidity and exceptional counterattack effectiveness, and Raphael Onyedika scored the only goal in the match so far.

Things started changing in the second half as Pep Guardiola’s player came all gun blazing and scored an equalizer after 8 minutes. With an own goal by Joel Ordonez, the game took a complete U-turn and put the Brugge side in all sorts of trouble. Savinho also scored a goal off a lovely pass from the back. Here’s a look at Manchester City vs Club Brugge player ratings.

Manchester City Player Ratings vs Club Brugge

Goalkeeper

Ederson Moraes (6.8/10)

The Brazilian shot-stopper had little to do for most of the half but was beaten by Onyedika’s composed strike. His distribution was still accurate, and he occasionally managed to handle Brugge’s counters. But, his usual authoritative demeanor did not help instill confidence in a jittery City defence line.

Defenders

Matheus Nunes (7.8/10)

Matheus Nunes started the game in an unfamiliar right-back position and appeared uncomfortable all through. He was constantly embarrassed by Tzolis’ speed and mobility, which was evident in the build-up to the opening goal where the Brugge winger shrugged him off far too easily. Lacked penetration in the final third, and was occasionally guilty of frustrating City’s momentum with indecision.

John Stones (9.1/10)

Anticipated to give a stable performance in the central defense position but Stones appeared vulnerable. Unfortunately, his ignorance paved the way for Brugge to penetrate City’s defense line on several occasions. Earned two assists for Kovacic and Savinho’s goal in the second half. Created the most chances in the game with 4 to his name and made impressive 105 passes with 98% accuracy which earned him man of the match award.

Manuel Akanji (7.5/10)

Akanji had some key tackles and clearances, but City seemed susceptible at the back – notably when pushed on the break. The reason why Brugge created several good chances despite the fact they did not have much of the ball was because he failed to expect. He completed the most passes in the game with 148/149 with an accuracy of 99%. Impressive right?

Josko Gvardiol (7.3/10)

The Croatian defender was particularly eager to go forward, trying to put pressure on opposition during attacks. He was unable to handle the Brugge quick break and was found wanting in areas behind the defense.

Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne (8/10)

City’s main creative force, but Brugge did a good job to reign him in. Had moments of quality when he completed some fine passes and movements but his shot from distance was wayward. He appeared to be stressed as the game went on, never really able to produce the killer ball to open up Brugge.

Mateo Kovacic (8.3/10)

A quiet, ineffective performance from the Croatian. His passing was safe, and there was no attempt to take control of the game as City tried to unlock a compact Brugge midfield. He was too often left out of the action during changes of possession and provided very little backstop. But things changed in the second half as he looked calm and composed while having possession and passing the ball around. Scored the equalizer in the second half as well to turn things in favor of his team.

Ilkay Gundogan (6.3/10)

The former captain struggled to impose himself on the match, being overwhelmed by the opposition midfielders of Brugge. Instead of his usual composed self in the midfield, Gundogan was unusually ineffective in helping create spaces for City’s forwards. Subbed off during the half time.

Forwards

Bernardo Silva (7.5/10)

As usual, Bernardo did not slack off and was one of City’s most active players, trying to beat his man and find space. However, his end product was poor and he was constantly caught in traffic more often than not. He was disappointing in his link-up play with Haaland, and Foden.

Erling Haaland (7.7/10)

A frustrating night for the Norwegian talisman. Lacking the service of City, Haaland was frustrated, and often left alone on the pitch, he couldn’t use his physical strength. I once led a headed effort back across the goal but it only resulted in nothing. He was visibly irritated as Brugge defenders followed his every move in the match.

Phil Foden (7.5/10)

Began well but declined when Brugge formed a compact structure that limited his influence. His shot went astray from the goal and his close control did not suggest he was capable of unlocking tightly knit defensive units. Appeared to get more and more irritated as the game went on.

Substitutes

Savinho (7.7/10)

The Brazilian had a great game in the attacking half of the pitch, came on to replace Ilkay Gundogan at half-time, and scored a goal in the 77th minute.

Rico Lewis (N/A)

N/A replaced Kevin De Bruyne in the 81st minute.

Manager

Pep Guardiola (7.5/10)

Pep was frustrated with how his team handled and played in the first half but looked calmer in the second half as his team managed to turn things around.

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Club Brugge Player Ratings vs Manchester City

Goalkeeper

Simon Mignolet (5.9/10)

A decent display from the experienced shot-stopper. Afforded routine saves and was good at marshaling his vicinity especially when dealing with crosses into the box. He was very useful when City applied pressure in the last part of the match, as he helped stabilize Brugge’s rear guard. Conceded three goals in the second half to make things worse for him and his team.

Defenders

Maxim De Cuyper (5.5/10)

Quite a defensively oriented performance from the full-back who limited Foden’s impact for large parts of the game. He was able to perform his defensive responsibilities alongside the occasional burst forward into the opposition’s half, but his main role was to neutralize City’s wingers.

Brandon Mechele (6.7/10)

Excellent in front of the Brugge defense line, clearing and blocking many dangerous attacks from City’s forwards. Mechele was very astute in her reading of the game that Haaland was almost completely starved of space.

Joel Ordonez (4.3/10)

Worked well with Mechele and was a good penalty taker. Performed well in the air and looked fairly comfortable when being relied upon to start attacks from the back. The second half didn’t go as he would have wanted as conceded an own goal to make things bad for his team. He had a terrible second half.

Joaquin Seys (5.5/10)

Kept things tight on the right flank and made sure Bernardo Silva never became a real menace. He was well-disciplined in the containment role by being well-positioned in Brugge Perfect Square.

Midfielders

Ardon Jashari (5.3/10)

An industrious display in midfield. Got hold of City’s attacks right on time with some good tackles and came close to scoring with a powerful surge and shot which was straight at Ederson. His energy was crucial for Brugge to become a solid team at the back.

Hans Vanaken (6.7/10)

The Captain played like a midfield general when Brugge had the ball and rarely lost his head in the heat of the battle. He was always probing for the right pass rather than creating the pass. Brugge’s captain had a good outing but was seen frustrated at times with his team performance.

Raphael Onyedika (6.8/10)

Scored the only goal of the match for his team and was the powerhouse in the midfield. His pressing never stopped and his defensive work put pressure on City and his late bursts forward also created issues for their backline. The game changer when Brugge required a savior.

Forwards

Christos Tzolis (6.1/10)

The most dangerous attacker on the pitch. His speed and mobility were always a concern for Nunes and he made a great run for Onyedika’s goal. Almost scored a second goal with a driving run but failed to finish.

Ferran Jutgla (6.6/10)

Little game time but was effective in applying pressure on City’s defenders. He was also intelligent in his movement, which made him open spaces for his colleagues.

Chemsdine Talbi (6/10)

An ever-working player, who is always running back and also contributes to the defense line. He was close to setting up a goal with a nice teasing pass in the first half.

Substitutes

Hugo Vetlesen (5.9/10)

Came onto the pitch in place of Christos Tzolis to provide more attacking depth and power to his team.

Romeo Vermant (5.6/10)

Didn’t see much from him in the final third of the pitch.

Michal Skoras (N/A)

N/A

Manager

Nicky Hayen (6/10)

Hayen’s tactic to keep Man City’s attacking trio silent worked but as the game continued his team looked out of thought and conceded 3 goals.

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