LYON 2, MANCHESTER CITY 2
Manchester City qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League with a 2-2 draw in Lyon.
Sergio Aguero responded instantly to Maxwel Cornet’s second goal of the night with nine minutes to go just when it looked like Lyon would be building on City’s only defeat this season by inflicting a second on them.
Utilising their powerful, swift counter attacks against a weakened City side, they provided a stiff challenge to Pep Guardiola’s side who started the game without Phil Foden despite an earlier indication that he was being considered for a starting berth.
Instead, City lined up with Oleksandr Zinchenko at left back with John Stones and Riyad Mahrez coming in for Fabian Delph, Nicolas Otamendi, and the injured Ilkay Gundogan dropping out from their win at West Ham at the weekend.
And Raheem Sterling was trialled in a deeper midfield role that unfortunately seemed to nullify his attacking threat as City overloaded on forwards.
Their French hosts spurned several clear chances to score before Cornet opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a drive that was laid on by former Manchester United winger Memphis Depay..
Sterling’s free kick was converted by Aymeric Laporte, who was immense in defence for City, with a great header eight minutes later but City continued to struggle with Lyon.
Chances had come in for Cornet throughout – he also hit the crossbar with a volley in the first half – and it was no surprise when the Ivorian forward popped up again to put City’s hopes of finishing top of the group in doubt with the chance once again supplied by Depay’s through ball.
But Aguero saved City’s blushes with a crucial headed goal from Mahrez’ cross to level the game swiftly.
City now require just a point at home against Hoffenheim to guarantee top spot in their group and secure a more favourable draw for their Round of 16 game next year while Lyon have to avoid defeat away against Shakhtar Donetsk.