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.

Manchester City avoided Champions League humiliation. Now back to the job of salvaging the Premier League season.

There is a long history of clubs winning the Champions League when their hopes of landing their domestic title have long fallen by the wayside. In 2005, Rafa Benitez's famous Liverpool team's victory came after they finished fifth in the Premier League.

The two European giants know City are struggling but will still have a sense of dread at maybe having to face Pep Guardiola’s men

Manchester City nearly crashed out, but came from behind in the second half, and in the end, all European giants reached the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

Manchester City kept their Champions League campaign alive as they scraped into the playoffs by beating Belgium's Club Brugge 3-1 in a nervy must-win match on Wednesday thanks to goals from Mateo Kovacic and substitute Savinho,