Brian Barry-Murphy‘s young blues were edged out in a thrilling encounter at the Academy Stadium, with a late Brugge fightback earning the visitors a 5-3 victory in Group A.
City had looked on course to claim a hard-fought victory when James McAtee completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute to put us 3-1 ahead, but Cisse Sandra halved the deficit soon after with an impressive solo effort.
Arne Engels levelled the scores from the penalty spot just four minutes later, and the Belgians were ahead as stoppage time approached through Lynnt Audoor.
Our EDS went agonisingly close to claiming a dramatic late equaliser when substitute Rico Lewis fired towards goal, but visiting stopper Jelle Van Neck made a smart save to preserve the points.
And things were put beyond doubt with the final act of the game as City went for broke, with Brugge countering to allow substitute Mathis Servais to smash home a fifth.
Relive all of the action from an unmissable encounter with a CITY+ subscription.
CITY+ | SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
For just £1.99 per month, City+ allows subscribers to access full-match replays of all Men’s, and Women’s fixtures, as well as EDS and Academy broadcasts of selected live matches.
It also grants access to original documentaries, including the recent Together film.
Details of how to subscribe to CITY+ are available HERE.
