City were in sublime form at the Jan Breydelstadion with teenager Cole Palmer netting his first European goal after coming on as a second half substitute with Riyad Mahrez (2), Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker also on the scoresheet.
The win – which equalled our biggest margin of victory away from home in the Champions League group and knockout stages - was all the more impressive given Brugge had not been beaten at home this season and were equal top of Group A ahead of kick-off.
But in expressing his delight at the manner of our display, Guardiola also revealed how some advice from City legend Vincent Kompany – now manager at Brugge’s Belgian rivals Anderlecht – had proved vital.
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“We were so good. It was one of the best performances we have done in Europe,” declared the City boss.
“I am not going to underestimate Brugge. I know them quite well.
“I spoke with Vincent Kompany and he gave me some info. He knows Brugge better than me.
“He said be careful in the final third, they have a fast central defender, especially the left one.
“I think we made a really good performance in many aspects so they could not be who they are. I know perfectly well who they are.
“I looked over Brugge during the international break. I looked at many games. I know how good they did against PSG.
“It is a few weeks before they travel to Manchester, and I am pretty sure they are going to adjust.
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“It will not be the same, that’s for sure.
“They have pride, they will see the game, see what they can do better.
“We will have to prepare as best as possible to take all the points.”
On a night where there were positives aplenty, Phil Foden was at his mesmeric best again demonstrating his vision and technical quality.
And Guardiola said it was a performance to be proud of marrying footballing intelligence and desire.
“We made a good game, our pressing was good. We recovered the ball so quickly and after that we used the ball with a lot of sense,” the boss added.
“We found a lot of passes with Phil. We had runners in behind. We could have scored more goals, we had many chances.
“All of us are delighted with the performance we have done.”
