Gelsenkirchen (Germany): Raheem Sterling sealed a dramatic 3-2 Champions League win Wednesday for 10-man Manchester City at Schalke as the English champions scored twice in the last five minutes.
Sterling tucked away the winner at the Veltins Arena in the 90th minute just after substitute Leroy Sane fired home a stunning free-kick for the Premier League leaders against his former club in the last 16, first leg.
“I waited for my chance and wanted to shoot from there as I had previously scored from that position and it restored our confidence,” a delighted Sane told broadcaster ‘DAZN’ after the game.
Schalke led 2-1 at half time as the video assistant referee (VAR) twice intervened to award penalties, both converted by Nabil Bentaleb, cancelling out Sergio Aguero’s opener.
City were in real trouble with 22 minutes left when Nicolas Otamendi, who gave away the controversial first penalty, was sent off for a second yellow card before Sane’s moment of brilliance and Sterling’s winner.
“We will not go far in this competition unless we improve,” rued City manager Pep Guardiola. “At the end the quality of Sane and Sterling made the difference.”
City however, still have some work to do in the return leg, March 12 with Fernandinho, who was booked when conceding the second spot-kick, and Otamendi both suspended.
Schalke are just above the Bundesliga’s relegation places and winless in their last four league games, yet they gave Premier League leaders Man City an almighty scare.
The hosts initially struggled to get out of their half as Man City dominated the opening 30 minutes, until the game swung dramatically Schalke’s way with the two penalty decisions.
Schalke however, were responsible for letting the visitors take the lead. A lazy pass from goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann to Salif Sane was snapped up by David Silva. The Spaniard drew Faehrmann and selflessly served up a simple tap-in for Aguero to claim his 10th goal in his last seven City appearances.
However, falling behind sparked life into Schalke. Striker Mark Uth fired wide, then ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Bentaleb got the better of Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
The hosts drew level after Daniel Caligiuri fired in a speculative shot which clipped Otamendi’s arm. Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande awarded the penalty through VAR despite City’s furious protests. Bentaleb tucked it away to the delight of the home crowd on 38 minutes and they would be celebrating again soon after. Within a few minutes Fernandinho pushed Salif Sane when a free-kick flew into the box and another penalty went Schalke’s way. Bentaleb stepped up to smash the spot-kick past Ederson and put Schalke ahead.
AFP