Pep Guardiola admitted he is delighted to avoid an additional two matches by qualifying for the Champions League Round of 16.
A 2-0 win over Galatasaray proved just enough to secure a top eight finish for a City team missing nine players through a mix of injury, ineligibility and suspension.
It means the Blues have avoided a play-off round in February that would have increased our schedule to nine games in 28 days.
“The first half was better than the second, but in the second half there were more chances than the first. A lot of things to improve,” said Guardiola.
“We’re really pleased to finish top eight considering how the Champions League has become.
“When I started 16 or 17 years ago, qualification was not as difficult.
“Today, every team is really, really tough, and I’m really pleased and hopefully we can arrive in March in our best.
“We started really well and had chances. We had no proper holding midfielders there.
“Jeremy and Omar were excellent, but we had incredible chances and maybe we [could have] needed more goals to qualify.
“But I’m really pleased because we have long weeks [until the Round of 16] and we need it.
“Not just that, that we’ve already qualified. Hopefully in that moment we can arrive better.
“Look how many incredible teams are out of the top 24 and how many are not in the top eight and still it’s the youngest team we have played in my years here in the Champions League.
“It’s a process to learn and hopefully Rodri, Marc and Semenyo will be back when we are there. That’s good news.”
Pep revealed the players watched the closing minutes of the final game that could have possibly pushed City out of the top eight.
Benfica were leading Real Madrid 3-2 going into added time, before the Portuguese side scored a dramatic fourth to secure a 4-2 win and seal the Blues’ knockout spot.
“We were all there,” said Pep.
“We didn’t know Benfica needed a goal to qualify. That’s why when we saw Jose sending the goalkeeper forward we said ‘why?’ because Madrid can equalise and we would be out of the top eight.
“It was good strategy for Jose right to score that fourth goal.”
And of the Champions League format, now in its second year, the boss added: “I don’t like that there are more games, but I like it.
“I like when you play home and away and every game is like a final. You don’t have much idea what they are going to do, and every game is really tough.
“It doesn’t matter whether we are in the play-off or not, it’s about arriving in that moment in the best condition.
“Considering how many of the top teams are out of the top eight we know how difficult it is. With not winning in Norway, it was difficult.”
City v Newcastle Second leg tickets available!
See the conclusion of what promises to be a thrilling final four tie at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 4 February.
Newcastle are the holders of the Carabao Cup and will be determined to hold on to their crown, while City are seeking a ninth success in League Cup history.
Tickets start from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions, while a wide range of hospitality packages starting from £250 are also on offer to make it a special occasion!
*On sale to Season Ticket Members and existing Cityzens Matchday and Junior Members (as of Tue 16 Dec 2025) who have purchased 1+ home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium. 4 tickets per person.
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