MANCHESTER, England, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Manchester City's Erling ‌Haaland and Rayan Cherki struck before halftime to secure a Champions League place in the last 16 for their side in ‌a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola's side claimed eighth spot with 16 points in the eight-game league phase to ‌just avoid the two-legged playoffs and advance directly to the last 16 for a precious slice of breathing room in a packed fixture schedule.