“We played really good...”, Pep Guardiola – 16/08/2016.
Goals; Silva (13'), Aguero (41', 78', 89'), Nolito (49')
Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets);
Cabellero (6.5)
Zabaleta (7) (Sagna 70' (5.5))
Otamendi (6.5)
Kolorov (7) (Clichy 75' (5.5))
Stones (7.5)
Fernandinho (7)
Sterling (8)
Silva (c) (7)
Aguero (7.5)
De Bruyne (6.5)
Nolito (7.5)
Stats;Possession, 30%/70%; Shots, 24(12)/8(2); Fouls, 13/14
Referee; Daniele Orsato (7.5)
Line Up (4-1-4-1) (match ratings in brackets);
Cabellero (6.5)
Zabaleta (7) (Sagna 70' (5.5))
Otamendi (6.5)
Kolorov (7) (Clichy 75' (5.5))
Stones (7.5)
Fernandinho (7)
Sterling (8)
Silva (c) (7)
Aguero (7.5)
De Bruyne (6.5)
Nolito (7.5)
Stats;Possession, 30%/70%; Shots, 24(12)/8(2); Fouls, 13/14
Referee; Daniele Orsato (7.5)
A devastating passing display saw the blues come away with an important win in this Champions League away leg at the Stadionul Steaua. Despite the score line, City's win was actually well within what could, and perhaps should have been a cricket score. Aguero in particular could've had a hat full, including two missed penalties (one saved, one over the top), on the way to his hatrick.
Praise should be given to Steaua for wanting to make a game of it, with their intention on attacking City, rather than parking the bus. City's defence as well as the attack played well, restricting Steaua to just two shots on target. Stones, on his Champions League debut, was particularly impressive. Man of the match for me was the ever improving Raheem Sterling, who set up the opener for Silva, and hit the cross bar himself, as he continued to show why City invested so much in his potential last year.
The second leg is at the Etihad on Wednesday, 24 August, with the winners reaching the Champions League group stage. Hopefully even City cannot throw away a five "away goal" lead, and will progress to the group stages for the fifth season in succession.
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
