Manchester City steamrolled Club Brugge 5-1 in the Champions League to secure three important points.
From the off, Man City dominated the possession and they got their breakthrough through Joao Cancelo, who finished off Phil Foden‘s long ball.
Riyad Mahrez doubled the lead from the penalty spot before the half-time whistle.
City showed more aggression in the second half, with Kyle Walker bringing the third goal of the night after a brilliant assist from Kevin de Bruyne.
Cole Palmer, who came off the bench, scored his first Champions League goal to make it 4-0 for the visitors.
Club Brugge got their consolation goal through Vanaken but they couldn’t prevent City from adding another one to their tally, which was also Mahrez’s second of the night.
City have jumped to the top of Group A following the win and their chances are looking brighter to progress to the next round.
Cole Palmer scores his first Champions League goal.
The 18-year-old got his first professional goal for City in last month’s EFL Cup game against Wycombe. Replacing Kevin de Bruyne in the second half, the young English midfielder made an instant impact by netting a goal from his preferred left foot without panicking. Palmer could have added one or two assists to his name, as he played few through balls. His performance was in the same vein as De Bruyne, the player whom he replaced as a substitute.
Foden and Mahrez with impressive performances
Riyad Mahrez has been in and out in the starting eleven for Man City yet tonight’s brace would give him enough confidence moving forward. Phil Fode also put on a sublime performance, contributing to City’s attack in every possible way. Acting as a false 9, the English youngster often dropped deep and played some exquisite through ball. His perfectly weighted long ball to set up Cancelo’s goal took the cake.
Man City delivered a dominant display
Pep Guardiola’s men had previously decimated RB Leipzig in their Champions League opener and Brugge are their latest victim. City put on a near-flawless display and never allowed the Belgian side to gain momentum. The cumulative effort from City players was the biggest reason behind their victory and they would look to continue the same momentum in the upcoming fixtures. The Sky Blues have been falling short in the UCL over the last few seasons and they would look to end their hoodoo this time around.
