FA CUP: DE BRUYNE RESCUES MAN CITY IN HARD-FOUGHT 2-1 WIN AT LEYTON ORIENT

Manchester City overcame a major scare to secure a 2-1 victory over third-tier Leyton Orient, advancing to the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola was forced to rely on his bench to avoid a stunning upset, as substitute Kevin De Bruyne netted the winning goal 11 minutes from time.

Leyton Orient took an early lead when Jamie Donley’s ambitious strike hit the crossbar and rebounded off City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega into the net.

The hosts held onto their advantage until the 56th minute when Rico Lewis’ shot took a deflection off Abdukodir Khusanov, marking his first goal for Manchester City.

Desperate for a breakthrough, Guardiola introduced Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne, and the experienced Belgian delivered when it mattered most.

De Bruyne calmly slotted in Jack Grealish’s pass, saving City from another setback in what has been a challenging season.

Guardiola’s side currently sits fourth in the Premier League and barely escaped an early Champions League exit during the group stage.

However, they will need a much stronger performance when they face the formidable Real Madrid at the Etihad in the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday.