Manchester City took on Hoffenheim at the Etihad to confirm top spot as they had already secured a berth in the knockout stage of the Champions League. They managed to do just that as they recorded a comeback 2-1 victory against the Bundesliga outfit.
City conceded an early penalty when Aymeric Laporte made a clumsy challenge, and there was no doubt in the referee’s mind that the challenge merited a penalty. Andrej Kramaric converted from the spot and City who rarely find themselves trailing had to come back from behind. City hit the bar twice and definitely looked like the better side in the first half. Sane finally got the equaliser as he brilliantly converted a free kick from close to 30 yards.
Hoffenheim created some decent chances for themselves but Reiss Nelson was unable to convert, and Sane punished the away side again by scoring after Raheem Sterling found him with a smart through pass. City had numerous opportunities in the last 20 minutes to wrap the game up from a counter attack as the German side pushed their men forward in search of the equaliser which never came. The home team marched on with a 2-1 win.
Here is how Guardiola’s men fared in the final group game.
Ederson 8
Was called into action on quite a few occasions and came up with some top-drawer saves. Brilliantly denied Kramric and Nelson.
John Stones 5
Was played out of position in the right-back role and didn’t look comfortable at all. Rightly substituted early as the visiting side were finding a lot of joy from his side of the pitch.
Nicolas Otamendi 6
Had some testing and nervous moments at the back but overall did enough to see his team through.
Aymeric Laporte 5
Struggled big time in the first half and gave away a blatant penalty. Got better in the second half but still had some bad moments on the pitch.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6
Looked good while going forward and combined well with Sane. Defensively he can do much better as Hoffenheim enjoyed some excellent opportunities from his flank.
Ilkay Gundogan 7
Played a big role in City commanding the game after going down one behind. Did a fine job in a deeper position and his set-piece deliveries were also on point.
Bernardo Silva 6
Usually neat in possession, the Portuguese had an off game in the first half. Turned it around in the second and as a result, City started to do better regarding controlling the game.
Phil Foden 7
What a brilliant young talent he is for City. His calmness and composure on the ball makes him look like a midfield veteran. Could have scored from a brilliant first-time volley but was denied by the opposition goalkeeper. Like most of his team-mates, performed better in the second half.
Leroy Sane 8.5
Was in the thick of every City attack. His pace and trickery was too much for Hoffenheim to handle. Scored a brilliant free kick and finished well for the second. Could have had the hat trick as well
Raheem Sterling 7
His sense of positioning and movement was one of the best aspects of his game as he found himself in good positions on quite a few occasions. However, should have scored a goal if not for poor finishing.
Gabriel Jesus 5.5
Hit the post in the first half but apart from that not many clear opportunities for the Brazilian. Worked hard but not much of an impact.
Substitutes
Kyle Walker 7
City looked comfortable after the first choice right-back came on the pitch.
Fabian Delph 7
Like his other fullback partner, looked solid after coming on.
Vincent Kompany N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
