How Manchester City’s lethal strikeforce has fired them through in the Champions League

After two seasons of European disappointment under Roberto Mancini, Manchester City finally secured a place in the last-16 of the Champions League after finishing second in Group D with 15 points. City won five of six group games, scoring 18 goals along the way. Overall, it was a comfortable and impressive performance. They even managed a 100% away record, which is in stark contrast to their Premier League record.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men will now play Barcelona in the last-16 in what is being billed as the tie of the round.

Best Result

City’s 3-2 win in Munich was undoubtedly the highlight of their qualifying campaign. A second-string side fell two goals down after just 12 minutes, before a fabulous comeback saw them win 3-2. Bayern went into the match unbeaten in 40 Bundesliga matches, and with a run of 18 home wins in all competitions. It was a remarkable result that nearly saw City finish top of the group.

James Milner and David Silva were the standout performers on the night. Milner had a hand in every goal, assisting the first, winning the penalty for the second and scoring the winner with a tidy finish in the bottom corner after a mistake from former City defender Jerome Boateng.

Silva, returning from injury after five weeks out with a calf injury, scored City’s first and was at the hub of everything they did going forward.

It was a memorable night and a result which should give City confidence going into the Barcelona match.

Worst Result

The home defeat to Bayern Munich in October – City’s only loss in Group D – was undoubtedly the low point of their campaign. Mistakes from the now dethroned Joe Hart were costly, but Bayern Munich completely dominated the match in all areas, particularly in midfield, where their extra man and extra quality really told.

The ease with which Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery, Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben interchanges was wonderful to watch, and City struggled to cope. It finished 3-1 but that scoreline flattered City.

Strengths in Europe

Scoring goals is City’s main strength, and with Vincent Kompany now back to full fitness, they may start looking less shaky defensively, too.

Aguero’s placement for his CL goals

Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo have excelled, scoring 11 goals between them in the six group games. With two strikers so confident, City will feel they have a chance against any side in Europe over two legs.

Weaknesses in Europe

City’s weakness is defensively. They’ve conceded 10 goals in the competition already, and with Barcelona their next opponents, they have to improve in that area.

The return of Kompany should help, with his organisation, leadership and defensive qualities vital to City and their defensive capabilities.

Best Player – Sergio Aguero

Scoring six goals in five appearances is enough to make Aguero the star of City’s qualification, let alone his all round contribution which has been superb. He’s created seven chances for his teammates in those games, including two assists.

Aguero causes teams all sorts of problems with his pace and strength, and at the moment he’s the most confident he’s been at City. He’s managed 19 goals in 19 games in all competitions, and is now widely considered one of the finest players in Europe.

Best Young Player – Matija Nastasic

Nastasic continues to defy his age with assured and confident performances at the heart of the city defence. He made four appearances during the group stage before an injury derailed his progress. At just 20 year of age, he looks set to have a long and successful career.

Verdict

City will be very satisfied with their group stage performance. To take 15 points and beat Bayern Munich on their own patch is a significant step in the right direction after the stuttering campaigns under Mancini. They are scoring plenty of goals, too, which in the two legged format of the knock-out stages will give them a good chance of progressing.

Obviously, Barcelona are big favourites in the next round. They have one of the sides in world football and more experience in the Champions League, but City can be quietly confident of progressing. Scoring goals is key in Europe and that’s where City excel.