Manchester City suffered their first defeat of the season as they narrowly lost 2-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk at the Metalist Stadium in the Champions League group stages.
Pep Guardiola’s men came into this game on the back of winning their first five Champions League group matches, with their most recent win at home to Feyenoord in a 1-0 win for City. The hosts Shakhtar were in need of a win to qualify for the knockout stages alongside the Citizens, with Napoli needing to win their final game away to Feyenoord for a chance of reaching second place. They also needed City to win their game tonight.
The hosts took the lead after 26 minutes when Brazilian playmaker Bernard curled in a fantastic shot past Ederson. Six minutes later, it was 2-0 to the Ukrainian side as Ismaily took advantage of a rare mistake from Ederson to tap in to an empty net. It could have been much worse for City’s makeshift defensive line if it hadn’t been for the heroics of Ederson throughout the half.
In the second half, City sharpened up and were much better going forward. They had a number of chances to grab a goal back, with Gabriel Jesus hitting the post after good build-up play from Brahim Diaz. The Citizens got their goal in added time when Bohdan Butko fouled Jesus to give the away side a penalty. Sergio Aguero, coming off the bench, converted the spot kick to give City a deserved consolation goal.
A deserved win for Shakhtar as they go into the last 16 draw on Monday night. City, having already won the group, will feel slightly aggrieved to have not carried on their winning run in all competitions.
Here are our player ratings from the match.
Ederson - 6
It was surprising to see him start the match, and despite a number of good saves in the game, he made a rare mistake to give Shakhtar their second goal.
Danilo - 3
An absolute disaster show from the Brazilian as he was constantly rinsed by Shakhtar’s attacking talent. He is really struggling to cement his position in the squad, and this game will not help his cause.
Eliaquim Mangala - 4
Not the worse defender of the night, which shows how bad it was tonight for the makeshift back three! Mangala was far from what Guardiola demands in a centre-back – which includes having the composure to play out from the back.
Will most likely be sold in January.
Tosin Adarabioyo - 5
For his first time starting in the Champions League, Tosin didn’t do too bad considering his fellow defenders failed to impose themselves despite having experience at this level. The Englishman improved as the game went on. Definitely one to watch for the future.
Fernandinho - 5
Played in a more defensive role and was composed to begin with. Despite attempts to organise the back three, the Brazilian was pulled apart by the quick counter-attacks Shakhtar made throughout the match.
Yaya Toure - 6
Tried to impose himself in the midfield like he usually does for City, but wasn’t given many options due to the lack of movement going forward. Also struggled to maintain his superiority against Shakhtar’s attacks.
Ilkay Gündogan - 5
Just like Toure, the German wasn’t able to impose himself on the game. His passing wasn’t up to his usual standards and he failed to make good runs for his team going forward. Was much better in the second half.
Phil Foden - 6
He became the youngest player to start for an English club in the Champions League since Cesc Fabregas. He was given the unknown position of wing-back and worked hard throughout the match.
Will be a crucial player for City in the future!
Leroy Sane - 5
Like previous games, he couldn’t get up to full speed in the first half. He showed improvement in the second half, but was brought off for Brahim Diaz in preparation for Sunday’s big game.
Bernardo Silva - 4
Just couldn’t get going on the right side of a front three. Hasn’t been given too much game time recently, so he should get better.
Gabriel Jesus - 5
Hasn’t scored for a couple of games, which is something he will look to rectify at the weekend. He did win a penalty for City, but it just wasn’t his night. It’s also his first loss since joining the club.
Substitutions
Brahim Diaz (for Sane 62) – Brought some more energy to a City attack unusually lacking movement – 5
Sergio Aguero (for Fernandinho 69) – Made an impact after coming on and scoring a penalty. Showed a lot more attacking threat than in recent games – 6