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.

Of course it would be not good, but I am not thinking about that right now,” Guardiola told a news conference Tuesday. “I appreciate all of your concern... but I'm thinking we are going to do it.” With one game remaining in the revamped league phase of the competition,

Manchester City have qualified for the Champions League play-off round after coming from behind to beat Club Brugge. Facing elimination from European competition altogether, City knew nothing less than victory would be enough and for 52 minutes they were on the brink before Pep Guardiola intervened with a half-time substitution.