Manchester City are through to the Champions League last 16 with a match to spare though Pep Guardiola had to use four separate defensive units to ensure the required draw.
City’s qualification was sealed with a game to spare after a 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.
It leaves the Blues in the enviable position of being able to concentrate on their Premier League campaign, something Guardiola feels is vitally important.
“I’m so happy to be there [in the knock-out phase],” he said. “The first part of the season is so important, to qualify for the next round. We did it – and now we can focus on the Premier League.
“I am so satisfied for all the games. I was a trainer here in Germany and know how difficult Gladbach are. But we did it, which is why it is big congratulations to the team.”
City went behind when Brazilian Raffael netted with a fine finish from the edge of the area midway through the first half – but David Silva’s equaliser just before the break proved cruci