Manchester City effectively put one foot into the quarterfinals of the Champions League after an impressive 5-0 demolition of Sporting CP in Portugal on Tuesday.
The Premier League champions entered the game after a 4-0 away win against Norwich City, and they picked up where they left off in Lisbon as they completed dismantled the champions of Portugal 5-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
The visitors were firing on all cylinders from the get-go and seized the lead inside seven minutes when Riyad Mahrez tapped home from the rebound after Phil Foden forced a save from Antonio Adan. The goal was initially flagged offside, but after a lengthy VAR check, it stood.
City wasted no time in doubling their advantage as Bernardo Silva executed a spectacular half-volley into the top corner from inside the penalty box. The Mancunian outfit grabbed a third just after the half-hour mark when Foden finished from close-range. The game was effectively done and dusted when Silva made it 4-0 before the half-time break.
Though City took their foot off the gas in the second half, there was still time for another goal as an in-form Raheem Sterling also joined the rout, curling a sublime effort into the top corner. The Hard Tackle will now run the rule over Pep Guardiola’s men after an unstoppable display at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Ederson: 7/10
Enjoyed a comfortable evening in between the sticks as he did not have to make a single save. He was impeccable in distribution and kept a clean sheet without facing any real danger.
John Stones: 6/10
With Kyle Walker suspended, the Englishman once again started the game at right-back. He did not put forth an excellent performance as he was pulled out wide in one-on-one situations and had awkward moments without ever really being tested. Overall, it was a solid showing as he effectively carried the ball forward and helped out in attack, while also adding aerial ability in that area.
Ruben Dias: 7/10
The skipper was one of four former Benfica players who started for City in the game and received boos from Sporting fans. But he did not bat an eyelid and put in a composed display at the back with his usual no-nonsense defending and aggression from set-pieces.
Aymeric Laporte: 7/10
Laporte did well to intervene in several of Sporting’s attacks. He was aggressive and strong in defensive actions, maintaining stability at the back, and was vital in choking the opposition. He made two interceptions and one tackle and was sublime with his distribution, completing 95.9% of his match-high 97 passes attempted. He also went close at the other end in the second half before being substituted for Nathan Ake in the 84th minute.
Joao Cancelo: 6.5/10
As usual, Cancelo was extremely influential in attack on the space down the left flank. He tried to play some incisive passes forward, and his patience paid off with a defence-splitting through pass for City’s fourth goal. The Portuguese international made two interceptions, one clearance and two dribbles.
Rodri: 6.5/10
Rodri played well on the night, aside from a couple of wayward passes, including one catastrophic pass in the first half that nearly cost City a goal. However, he grew into the game and commanded the play from the middle of the park, while also excelling in shielding the defence.
Bernardo Silva: 10/10
Bernardo Silva's game by numbers vs. Sporting CP:
100% shot accuracy
89% pass accuracy
56 touches
6 final third entries
4 duels won
4 ball recoveries
3 tackles made
2 shots
2 goalsThe boy from Benfica. #UCL pic.twitter.com/1OREKbygQh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2022
Bernardo Silva sparkled with two goals and an assist in what was one of his many great performances so far this season. He was quite simply sensational on the night. The technique for his first goal was absolutely outrageous as he slammed the ball home on the half-volley, before he dismantled his former rivals with an excellent run to grab his second.
He also popped up with a rare header that was ruled out for offside and picked up an assist for Sterling’s goal. Not only he was an attacking phenom, but he also put in a defensive shift reflected by his three tackles completed.
Kevin De Bruyne: 7.5/10
De Bruyne has truly rediscovered his mojo after a slow start to his season and was in full flow driving at defenders. The Belgian showed quick thinking to pivot and find Mahrez for City’s opener. He looked a constant menace all night, breezing past challenges, flying around the pitch with lung-busting runs and creating chances for fun as he split the Sporting CP defence open several times with his inch-perfect passes.
Riyad Mahrez: 9/10
The Algerian was one of several standout performers on the night as he extended his lead as the Sky Blues’ top scorer across all competitions with a simple tap-in, before setting up Foden for the third. He created a game-high four chances and was very lively in the attacking third.
Phil Foden: 7/10
Another neat performance from Foden in what was a textbook example of how to operate in a false-nine role. He sat deep, combined with the attackers around and chose the right moments to make runs and take his shots, capping off his display by getting on the scoresheet with a calm finish. He also had 100% pass completion before making way for Ilkay Gundogan.
Raheem Sterling: 9/10
??????? Raheem Sterling completed more dribbles (4/5), won more ground duels (9/12) and suffered more fouls (2) than any other player in the Sporting CP vs Man City.
In fine form. ? #SPOMCI #ManCity pic.twitter.com/OWwsCosOIN
— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) February 15, 2022
The Englishman continued his rich vein of form for the Cityzens and was absolutely electric. He did very well to bring the ball down and cut it back to Bernardo Silva for the fourth goal before scoring a belter into the top corner to get City’s fifth goal. He also set up a great chance for John Stones in the first half and worked tirelessly to track back and help out defensively.
Substitutes
Ilkay Gundogan: 6/10
The German came on for Foden to play the last half hour when the game was already won. He helped Man City maintain dominance throughout.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6/10
Pep Guardiola opted to change things up, shifting Cancelo to right-back and introducing Zinchenko to the left flank to combine with Sterling. The Ukraine international created one chance, completed two tackles and was generally very sharp down the left.
Fernandinho: 5/10
Fernandinho came on for Rodri with 17 minutes remaining on the clock and had 22 touches of the ball, playing mostly routine passes in midfield. He played a stunning pass to set up a cross for Zinchenko.
Liam Delap: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Nathan Ake: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
