Manchester City are through to the Champions League knockout phase play-offs after a 3-1 comeback victory against visiting Club Brugge on the final matchday of the league phase.
The Sky Blues were in real trouble of missing out on the knockouts altogether, as they entered Wednesday's match in 25th place in the standings and in need of a victory just to have a shot at qualification. Things looked even more grim at the stroke of halftime as the Belgian visitors took the lead thanks to an emphatic finish by Raphael Onyedika.
However, a re-energized City side took over in the second half, with Mateo Kovacic's 53rd-minute equalizer the first of three goal by the hosts in the final 45 minutes of play.
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For Kovacic, the way the result was secured comes second to the fact that they advanced.
"Every game in the Champions League is a tough one," Kovacic told TNT Sports. "We are through which is the most important, it was a tough group stage for us.
"Whoever comes next will be difficult so it doesn't matter. We conceded in the first half but we are happy that we could score and win this game."
The midfielder credited manager Pep Guardiola and the City supporters for providing the boost needed by the players to overcome the deficit, with Kovacic also pointing out his team's "great character" in the second-half fightback.
Ultimately, Kovacic said his side had to rely on the quality they know they possess within the squad.
"It was important because we knew we are here to go through, we have a good team and we came back from 1-0 down," he said. "We know we are a great team."