Pep Guardiola kicked out at a drinks cooler in a moment of unbridled relief as Manchester City avoided a stunning early exit from the Champions League on Wednesday. Guardiola could not contain his emotions on a night of high drama at the Etihad Stadium — being shown a yellow card for his over-exuberance on the touchline and switching from ballboy to cheerleader as he lived every moment of a thrilling 3-1 victory

Manchester City have qualified for the Champions League play-off round after coming from behind to beat Club Brugge. Facing elimination from European competition altogether, City knew nothing less than victory would be enough and for 52 minutes they were on the brink before Pep Guardiola intervened with a half-time substitution.