Man City star Mateo Kovacic delivers three-word verdict on nightmare Champions League draw

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic says 'it doesn't matter' who his side will face in the next round of the Champions League, after coming from behind against Club Brugge to secure a place in the play-offs.

City headed into the final game of the Champions League group stage facing the very real possibility of manager Pep Guardiola being knocked out of the competition in the first round for the first time ever. Things went from bad to worse as City toiled in the first half, with Ilkay Gundogan having a goal ruled out for offside before Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika netted on the stroke of half-time at the Etihad Stadium.

However, a thrilling comeback was secured after half-time with Kovavic getting his side on their way with a fierce effort from distance in the 53rd minute. Brugge defender Joel Ordonez then turned into his own goal from a Josko Gvardiol cross before standout substitute Savinho secured a crucial 3-1 victory.

City will now play Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-offs, before facing Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the first round of the knockouts, with the club set to learn their fate on Friday when the draw takes place.

And speaking on TNT Sports following the final whistle, Kovacic has insisted City are ready for a 'difficult' encounter, whoever they end up facing. He said: "Every game in the Champions League is a tough one, so first of all we are happy we are through now because it was a tough group stage for us but we are through and that is the most important. Whoever comes will be difficult, so it doesn't matter."

Despite their stuttering form so far this season, Kovacic went on to insist that City showed the qualities of a 'great team' during their comeback victory against Brugge.

"We are here to go through, to be in the next stages," he added. "We are a good team, we can be there and today we showed we have great character. We came back from 1-0 and that's what a great team does."

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Manchester City wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title, but they missed out on another Treble with defeat in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. It's now time for Pep Guardiola and co to turn their attention to the transfer window.

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