Champions League review: smaller teams struggle but new stars rise
Briefly

Manchester City managed to progress to the knockout phase of the tournament after initially trailing Club Brugge. The comeback, sparked by Kovacic's goal, showcased Pep Guardiola's effectiveness as a coach, even in difficult situations. Meanwhile, Lille surged through their campaign, highlighted by a strong performance against Feyenoord, with star player Jonathan David stepping up. Inter's campaign was characterized by efficiency rather than flair, as they secured qualification with minimal drama and outstanding statistics, while Brugge celebrated their hard-fought advancement despite the empty stands at Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City's come-from-behind victory secured their place in the knockout stage, showcasing Pep Guardiola's tactical prowess even under pressure at half-time.
Club Brugge's qualification celebration juxtaposed with an empty Etihad Stadium highlighted their underdog triumph while City focuses on stronger performances ahead.
Lille's dominance against Feyenoord demonstrated their emergence as a serious contender, with Jonathan David enhancing his appeal as a future free agent.
Inter's unremarkable but effective campaign emphasized a pragmatic approach, showing that efficiency can overshadow aesthetic performances in achieving results.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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