Mahrez’s header restored City’s lead
Manchester City took a big step towards the last 16 of the Champions League by claiming a second successive victory over Belgian champions Club Brugge, winning 4-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday night.
Phil Foden’s opener was immediately cancelled out by John Stones’ bizarre own goal but Riyad Mahrez’s header restored City’s lead .
Substitute Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time secured the victory as City made it nine straight Champions League home wins.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s 92nd-minute penalty earned RB Leipzig a dramatic 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain meaning the French club dropped to second place below City. Brugge remain in third on four points from as many games.
Last season’s runners-up need a single point from their remaining two group games to seal their progress in the competition, with City hosting PSG later this month in what is likely to decide who tops the group.
Pep Guardiola’s men won 5-1 at the Jan Breydel Stadium to overtake Brugge in Group A a fortnight ago and a repeat success puts City in a strong position.
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The Belgium playmaker was given a rousing reception when the sides met at Jan Breydel Stadium a fortnight ago – a match City won 5-1 but this time dropped to the bench as Pep Guardiola made three changes at the Etihad Stadium.
Ruben Dias and Gabriel Jesus also made way following the loss to Crystal Palace at the weekend while John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez came in.
