Galatasaray exit Champions League after 2-0 Manchester City loss

Manchester City booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with a comfortable win over Galatasaray, avoiding a two-legged playoff round after last week’s defeat at Bodo/Glimt.

Pep Guardiola’s side controlled the match from the outset and could have gone ahead inside three minutes, but Erling Haaland headed Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross wide from close range.

Galatasaray player Sallai (L) in action against his opponent during the UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 match against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, United Kingdom, on January 28, 2026. (AA Photo)

Haaland ends open-play drought

Haaland made amends soon after, breaking his open-play scoring drought by collecting a through ball from Jeremy Doku and lifting a composed finish over Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.

City continued to dominate, with Nico O’Reilly’s long-range effort tipped over by Cakir, before doubling their lead on the half-hour.

Doku again provided the assist, laying the ball off for Rayan Cherki to fire home decisively. Doku was later forced off with an injury in the 37th minute.

Galatasaray player Victor Osimhen (45) in action against his opponent during the UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 match against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, United Kingdom, on January 28, 2026. (AA Photo)

Galatasaray chances denied

Galatasaray’s best opportunities fell to Victor Osimhen, but the Nigerian forward was denied twice by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who kept out both a flicked header and a low drive as City comfortably saw out the match.

January 29, 2026 01:06 AM GMT+03:00