Pep Guardiola grateful to Jose Mourinho as Man City clinch last-16 spot

City finished the league phase inside the top eight, avoiding the play-offs and earning valuable rest time for a squad stretched by injuries. Jeremy Doku was the latest concern after picking up a calf problem, adding to what Guardiola has described as a constant battle with fatigue.

"Of course I will thank Jose," Guardiola said with a smile, referring to events elsewhere that briefly threatened City's qualification. "We didn't know Benfica needed a goal, but it was a good strategy. Sometimes football is like this."

City did their job at the Etihad Stadium with a strong first-half display. Erling Haaland opened the scoring after ten minutes, finishing calmly after being released by Doku. Rayan Cherki doubled the lead just before the half-hour, twisting away from his marker and slotting home with confidence.

Doku played a key role in both goals before being forced off following a heavy challenge. Speaking earlier in the week, the winger said: "I feel more unpredictable now, especially playing inside. It gives me more freedom."

Despite the comfortable scoreline, Guardiola was not fully satisfied. "We missed too many clear chances," he admitted. "We have problems defensively because of the lack of players, but our issue tonight was in attack."

Galatasaray threatened after the break, with City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making a sharp save to preserve the clean sheet. City eventually saw the game out calmly, knowing the result was enough.

Attention now turns to the knockout draw, with City set to face one of Europe's heavyweights. For Guardiola, the priority is clear: rest, recovery, and getting his patched-up squad ready for what comes next. 

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