Pep Guardiola’s men knew that a win - along with other results going favourably - would secure our spot in the top eight of the League Phase and thereby earn an automatic spot in the last-16 of the prestigious competition.
First-half goals from Erling Haaland and Cherki did the damage at the Etihad Stadium as we dramatically claimed eighth spot in the table, finishing a point above Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
“I’m very proud because Galatasaray are a very good team,” said Cherki in an interview after the game.
“We played a good game and we won, that is very important for us.
“All the players love when the manager does this system. Because we have a lot of players inside. For us it is very good.
“We don’t have frustration because one season is very long. We have time to win all the games. Now we take a lot of time to reset.”
Cherki claimed his ninth goal in a City shirt across all competitions with a clever near-post finish to give us some breathing space, and when quizzed about his impressive attacking output, the Frenchman revealed he is loving every second in a sky blue shirt.
“It’s good, I’m very proud,” he continued.
“I play for a top club and I’m very happy to be here.”
