In the first meeting between these sides, Manchester City exerted their authority from the off and there was no doubting the result once they went in front.
Their hopes of automatic progression had been in peril after being stunned in Norway last week, and they had to wait for almost 10 minutes after their match finished before their fate was confirmed as a draw for Real Madrid would have edged City into ninth.
Two first-half goals provided much-needed relief, ensuring City do not have to play an extra two European games next month – a hurdle which proved their undoing against Real Madrid last season.
Erling Haaland's early miss typified his recent form in front of goal, heading wide when under no pressure, but his cool finish on 10 minutes was a welcome return to scoring form.
It was just his second goal in his past nine games in all competitions – and his first in open play since 20 December – and a strike that set City on their way to an important victory.
It also allowed the 25-year-old to continue his incredible scoring record at home in the competition, with 36 goals in his 28 matches on home turf.
City will now wait to see who they face in the last 16 of the competition, playing one of the sides that will emerge from the play-offs.
