City dispatch Shakhtar to top Group F

Free-scoring Manchester City came up against Shakhtar Donetsk, who were both looking to build on their victories in the first round of Champions League fixtures.

In the first competitive meeting between the two sides, it was the hosts who came out on top, winning 2-0 thanks to two second half goals.

The first half was a relatively even affair, with Shakhtar giving as good as they got and both sides forcing the goalkeeper’s into some important stops.

The first chance of the match fell to David Silva, as Gabriel Jesus raced into the box on the right-hand side and found the Spanish midfielder, but his touch evaded him at a vital time and Shakhtar goalkeeper Pyatov was able to gather.

Sergio Aguero then had a chance to break the deadlock after just 8 minutes when he was released by Kevin De Bruyne but the Argentinian’s shot from a tight angle went straight to Pyatov.

Fernandinho came to the home side’s rescue after Shakhtar’s first chance of the game. Fred charged through on goal but Fernandinho made an excellent last-ditch tackle to prevent Fred from having a one-on-one with Ederson in the City goal.

The offside flag thwarted Pep Guardiola’s side twice in a short period as a Aguero was flagged off after racing onto a sublime pass by De Bruyne, before Jesus strayed offside just a few moments later, preventing him from having a strike at goal.

Jesus released De Bruyne on the half-hour mark, but with just Pyatov to beat, the Belgian placed his shot just wide of the near post.

It certainly was not all one-way traffic at the Etihad, as Marlos’ curling effort forced Ederson into a smart save, and an in-swinging free-kick from Marlos was greeted by Ferreyra, who headed wide after beating a hesitant City goalkeeper to the ball.

The best chance of the half, however, fell to Leroy Sane just minutes before the break. The German linked up well with Fabian Delph on the left before bursting into the area, but his low shot across goal went just inches wide of the post.

The teams went in level, with neither side able to break the deadlock and despite the pre-match expectations, the visitors were more than holding their own in the first period.

What was likely a stern talking to by Pep Guardiola during the break seemed to work instantly as City finally took the lead early in the second half. David Silva drove goalwards before finding De Bruyne at the edge of the box, and the Belgian curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the area to give his side the lead after 48 minutes.

City were quickly pushing forward for a second goal, and Aguero had a chance to double his side’s lead, but could only fire straight at Pyatov after a subline chipped ball by David Silva.

Minutes after coming on as a substitution, Raheem Sterling had a great chance to score his side’s second goal. De Bruyne broke down the left before sending an inch-perfect low cross towards Sterling in the middle, but the winger totally mis-cued his first-time shot and fired wide with the goal gaping.

After a period of constant pressure, City were presented with the perfect opportunity to put the game to bed after 70 minutes when Ivan Ordets tripped Leroy Sane inside the box. Sergio Aguero stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was saved by Pyatov as he dived down to his right.

A one goal lead is always dangerous and despite the home side’s dominance, Shakhtar had a penalty claim of their own after 76 minutes. A cross clearly struck the outstretched arm of John Stones inside the area but it was from very close range and the referee waved away any claims from the away side.

In the final moments, the home side finally scored the second goal which they had been threatening ever since they took the lead. Bernardo Silva was released into acres of space down the right hand side and he calmly cut the ball back for Sterling, who this time found the back of the net, via the crossbar, from the centre of the box.

The victory meant Pep Guardiola’s side continued their winning run and made it two victories out of two in the Champions League to send them top of Group F.