Fernandinho: Vicory was 'huge step' towards CL last 16

City secured top spot in Group F after a 2-0 victory thanks to a long-range effort from Kevin de Bruyne just after the break, and Raheem Sterling, who scored the second in the final minutes of the game.

The victory for Pep Guardiola's side mean they remain unbeaten for the season and extended their winning streak to seven games in all competitions.

Fernandinho, who captained his side on Tuesday night, believes the victory puts them in a very strong position ahead of their next Champions League game against their toughest Group F opponents, Napoli.

"I think we made a huge step towards qualification for the next stage. This is good. If you want to be top of the group you have to win most of the points possible.

"Two in a row in the group stage is nice but now we have to think about Napoli because it is going to be a tough game for us."

Fernandinho was a Shakhtar Donetsk player before moving to Manchester in 2013 and he was full of praise for his City team-mates after their patient display against his former side, who posed a real threat on the night.

The Brazilian midfielder said: "I know most of the players. I played with them when I was over there. I knew they could create some problems for us, especially keeping the ball.

"But we were patient to defend our side and when we had the ball we tried to create chances to score. We had a few chances and in the end we got two goals and the three points."