Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva (C) and Manchester City's English defender John Stones (R) applaud after the UEFA group C Champions League football match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Manchester City in Moenchengladbach. Pic/AFP

Moenchengladbach, Germany: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola and his players said sealing their place in the Champions League knockout stage was more important than a below-par performance after they drew 1-1 at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Wednesday.