Manchester City secured automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 with a composed 2-0 win over Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side entered the final league-stage fixture facing the risk of an unwanted play-off round. That threat was removed after first-half goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki.
City started on the front foot and should have led inside three minutes. Haaland headed wide from close range after meeting a precise cross from Rayan Aït-Nouri.
The striker quickly made amends. In the 10th minute, he latched onto a through ball from Jeremy Doku and delicately lifted his finish over goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
City maintained control and continued to press Galatasaray deep into their own half. Nico O’Reilly forced a strong save from Cakir with a long-range effort as the pressure mounted.
The hosts doubled their advantage on 29 minutes. Doku once again turned provider, laying the ball off for Cherki, who struck a powerful finish beyond the goalkeeper.
Doku, instrumental in both goals, was forced off with an apparent injury eight minutes later. His withdrawal briefly slowed City’s tempo but not their authority.
Galatasaray offered limited threat but came close through Victor Osimhen. The Nigeria international saw both a flicked header and a low drive denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City managed the second half comfortably, restricting their visitors to speculative efforts while preserving their clean sheet.
The result ensured City finished eighth in the league standings, just inside the automatic qualification places. Benfica’s late win over Real Madrid confirmed their progress moments after the final whistle.
The victory brings relief for Guardiola’s side, who were stunned by Bodo/Glimt in their previous outing. Avoiding the play-offs spares City two additional European fixtures in February.
Haaland’s goal ended a rare dry spell in open play. It was his first non-penalty strike since December and continued his prolific Champions League scoring record at home.
City will now await the outcome of the play-off round to discover their opponents in the last 16.
For Galatasaray, defeat ended hopes of extending their European campaign. They struggled to cope with City’s pace and movement throughout the contest.
Manchester City, once again, remain firmly among Europe’s contenders.
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