Pep Guardiola kicked out at a drinks cooler in a moment of unbridled relief as Manchester City avoided a stunning early exit from the Champions League on Wednesday. Guardiola could not contain his emotions on a night of high drama at the Etihad Stadium — being shown a yellow card for his over-exuberance on the touchline and switching from ballboy to cheerleader as he lived every moment of a thrilling 3-1 victory

The Belgian champions were on course to send Manchester City packing before the knockout stages for the first time since 2012 when Raphael Onyedika fired the visitors into the lead just before half-time.