Lyon 2 Manchester City 2: Aguero late show secures progression

Manchester City progressed to the Champions League last 16 after Sergio Aguero scored a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Lyon.

Published : Nov 28, 2018 04:43 IST

Sergio Aguero scores against Lyon, heading home from a corner to net an equaliser.
Sergio Aguero scores against Lyon, heading home from a corner to net an equaliser.
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Sergio Aguero scores against Lyon, heading home from a corner to net an equaliser.

Sergio Aguero's late equaliser ensured Manchester City booked its place in the Champions League last 16 with a frantic 2-2 draw at Lyon on Tuesday.

Maxwel Cornet's double looked to have put Lyon in pole position in Group F heading into the final matchweek, with Aymeric Laporte having cancelled out the winger's 55th-minute opener.

But just two minutes after Cornet's second, City responded again – Aguero rising highest to head home from a corner and punish the hosts for some wasteful first-half finishing.

And thanks to Shakhtar Donetsk scoring a late winner against Hoffenheim, Lyon's battling performance did not prove enough to secure progression just yet, with a draw still required from its final group fixture in Ukraine next month.

Cornet was heavily involved from the off, missing the target with a close-range header before turning provider for Memphis Depay, who failed to connect with what should have been a simple finish.

Lyon's dominance continued, Cornet squandering another golden chance when he sliced over from six yards with the goal gaping before hitting the crossbar with a spectacular volley.

Cornet would not be denied again, though, picking out the top-left corner with a curling strike from the edge of the box 10 minutes into the second half.

Lyon's lead was short-lived, the impressive Laporte on hand to head home from David Silva's flick seven minutes later, only for Cornet's low finish under Ederson to put the host back ahead nine minutes from time.

But it was Aguero who had the final say when he met Riyad Mahrez's corner, directing a wonderful header into the bottom-left corner to secure a share of the spoils.

What does it mean? Lyon still with work to do

Shakhtar's last-gasp victory means Lyon must avoid defeat on matchweek six to join City in the knockout round. As for Pep Guardiola's side, a draw at home to Hoffenheim will be enough to top the group.

Dominant Ndombele goes from strength to strength

Despite Cornet's double, it was Tanguy Ndombele who really stamped his authority on proceedings from Lyon's perspective, denying Silva the space to operate. If the 21-year-old's form continues, it will not be long until one of Europe's elite clubs come knocking.

Mahrez, Sterling go missing

Guardiola attempted to match Lyon's system by utilising Mahrez and Raheem Sterling in free roles, but the pair rather got in each other's way.

What's next?

City will look to make it six straight wins in the Premier League when it takes on Bournemouth on Saturday, while Lyon faces a trip to out-of-form Lille in Ligue 1.

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