AFTER several seasons of heartache, surely Manchester City are finally on their way to the quarter-finals of the Champions League following an impressive 3-1 victory away to Dynamo Kiev in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Despite managing to avoid Europe’s big guns in the draw, the long trip to the Ukraine was certainly no easy assignment for a City side that had lost their previous three domestic matches and were in danger of seeing their season slip away.
However, as The Telegraph reported, Manuel Pellegrini got his tactics spot-on.
“The manager’s decision to employ Fernandinho on the right worked wonderfully, as the Brazilian provided energy and allowed David Silva to dictate from the No 10 position. The reshuffle also meant Fernando anchoring the midfield, and the Brazilian produced an outstanding display that suffocated the Dynamo Kiev midfielders.
“The system even seemed to get the best out of Yaya Toure, who could roam free knowing he had Fernando and Fernandinho covering for him.
“With Silva, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero providing constant menace on the counter-attack, City looked perfectly balanced and could have scored four or five in a one-sided first-half.”
Pellegrini will feel somewhat vindicated after copping a barrage of criticism for seeing a virtual City reserves side thrashed 5-1 by Chelsea at the weekend in the FA Cup. His star performers certainly showed the benefit of that rest with a high energy, pressing performance against Kiev that never let the hosts settle at all.
There was a fierce determination and aggression about City not always in evidence in the past in Europe, although it should be remembered their opponents hadn’t played a competitive match since December 9 due to their winter break.
Nonetheless, it was a display that suggests City may finally have come of age in Europe.
The eventual margin and three away goals should make the return leg a formality … although as Sky Blues fans know only too well, nothing is ever a formality at this club.
City fans, do you believe you’re as good as through to the last eight or are there still a few nerves?
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