Matheus Nunes: Champions League spot is City’s ‘Premier League trophy’ this term

Matheus Nunes says Champions League qualification is Manchester City’s “Premier League trophy” right now, but Tuesday’s matchwinner knows a top-five finish and FA Cup glory would not make this season a success.

Pep Guardiola’s previously all-conquering side ended 2024 in a tailspin, leaving them scrambling for a return to European football’s top table rather than competing for an unprecedented fifth straight league title.

But City have the chance to the season on a high, with Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley coming hot on the heels of Tuesday’s last-gasp win against fellow Champions League contenders Aston Villa.

Nunes proved the difference deep in stoppage time, meeting a classy Jeremy Doku cross with a fine finish to secure a 2-1 victory that takes the reigning champions up to third with four matches to play.

What a moment!