Manchester City 2 (Erling Haaland 11′, Rayan Cherki 29′)
Galatasaray 0
Here are the City player ratings as they beat Galatasaray 2-nil at the Etihad Stadium tonight. The result sees Manchester City qualify eighth in the Champions League league phase table. By finishing eighth, City have avoided two extra games in February as they have progressed straight to the round of 16 stage of the Champions League. Real Madrid’s 4-2 defeat to Benfica in dramatic fashion secured City the top-eight finish they desperately needed.
Top eight secured ✅
We progress straight into the #UCL round of 16 💪✨ pic.twitter.com/ZEv96ymIR8
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 28, 2026
First half goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki were enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to pick up the result they needed tonight. Manchester City were good in the first half, as they got ahead of the game early. It was a professional first half performance from Pep Guardiola’s side that laid the platform for a comfortable second half. The sting came out of the game as the second half progressed. Both teams had the scoreline they needed to maintain their positions in the Champions League table.
The major concern to come out of the match for Manchester City was the first half injury sustained by Jeremy Doku. Doku set up two goals and was superb before he was taken off in the 35th minute. It remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined for and what injury he sustained.
Here are the City player ratings from Manchester City’s crucial victory over Galatasaray.
City player ratings.
Gianluigi Donnarumma-6.5/10: Donnarumma didn’t have a host of saves to make but he did what he had to do when called upon.
Matheus Nunes-7/10: As ever, Nunes put in a solid performance at right-back.
Abdukodir Khusanov-7.5/10: Another good performance from the young centre-back.
Nathan Ake-7.5/10: I thought Ake was very good and experience at the back was vital.
Rayan Ait-Nouri-8.5/10: That was arguably Rayan Ait-Nouri’s best performance for Manchester City. He was a constant threat going forward and he defended well when required.
Nico O’Reilly-7.5/10: A good performance from O’Reilly in midfield. Did what was required and his future clearly lies in midfield.
Bernardo Silva-8/10: Once again Bernardo did everything required to help his team’s cause. His work rate is a key part of this City side and that stood out again tonight.
Rayan Cherki-8/10: Took his goal well and put in a lively display. His penchant to do the unexpected upsets City’s opponents defences and that caught the eye tonight.
Omar Marmoush-6/10: It wasn’t quite Marmoush’s night. He got into some good positions at times but his touch or decision-making was just off. I did like his movement as it created space for Haaland, Doku and Cherki to operate in.
Jeremy Doku-9/10: Doku set up both of Manchester City’s goals with sublime assists. He was a constant threat to the Galatasaray defence before injury struck. Hopefully his injury isn’t a serious one.
Erling Haaland-8/10: A much better overall performance from Haaland. Took his goal well after missing a gilt-edged chance early in the game. He looked fitter and more energetic throughout tonight’s match.
Substitutes.
Phil Foden-6/10: Had his moments after coming on but he still looks a little bit off his best.
Tijjani Reijnders-6/10: A likely performance off the bench from Reijnders.
Nico-N/A: Not on long enough to mark but it was good to see him back on the pitch.