Shakhtar Donetsk pulled off a huge shock by beating Manchester City 2-1 at the Metalist Stadium on Wednesday, securing their spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds.
Though Pep Guardiola’s side had already clinched their place in the last 16 as Group F winners, the fierce battle for second place was still on, with Shakhtar needing a minimum of a draw to advance.
However, Bernard and Ismaily’s two first-half strikes handed the Citizens their first loss of the season, with Sergio Aguero netting a late penalty consolation.
Full Match Report
From the outset in Kharkiv, the hosts dominated, testing City’s defence early on. Just three minutes in, Facundo Ferreyra played a delightful ball to Taison, whose shot sailed just over the bar from 20 yards.
Marlos came close soon after, curling a threatening effort on goal that Ederson managed to gather on the second attempt 21 minutes in.
Bernard opened the scoring five minutes later, brilliantly curling the ball into the top-right corner after finding space in the box on the left flank.
Bernard almost doubled the lead on 29 minutes, but Ederson saved his first-time strike. Yet, the Brazilian keeper was at fault moments later, as Ismaily capitalised on a loose ball to slot home and make it 2-0.
Manchester City had limited chances – Ben Foden missed a sitter on 36 minutes, while Fred blasted over soon after some neat work from the visitors. Gabriel Jesus’s chance before halftime was expertly denied by goalkeeper Andrij Pyatov.
The second half saw Shakhtar continue to press, with Taison narrowly missing several efforts. City tried to claw back, with Fernandinho heading wide and Yaya Toure firing over from distance.
Aguero’s penalty in stoppage time wasn’t enough, and the Miners celebrated a memorable win that shook the competition.
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