Manchester City booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 5-2 aggregate win over Basel.
The match began with a gentle pace, but soon Manchester City shifted gears. Leroy Sane dazzled by weaving past three defenders before delivering a threatening cross, which Basel’s goalkeeper Thomas Vaclik confidently claimed.
Sane’s influence was undeniable in the game’s opening goal shortly after, as he skilfully battled through challenges and executed quick one-twos, setting up David Silva down the right. Silva then brilliantly played a precise first-time ball through the legs of two Basel defenders for Gabriel Jesus, who curled the ball home at the back post.
Basel sought a response with Serey Die missing the target and Silva failing to connect with a promising Sane cross.
Ilkay Gundogan came close to extending City’s lead with a smart finish attempt, only to be denied by the nimble Vaclik. But Basel fought back to remind City the contest was far from over.
The lively Blas Riveros pushed forward leaving defenders behind, his cross from the left wing took a fortunate deflection to Mohamed Elyounoussi who controlled it before smashing it into the net to level.
Sane continued to trouble Basel, nearly assisting Gundogan, but a block by Leo Lacroix kept the score even.
After the half-hour mark, Basel had more possession and chances, with Dimitri Oberlin hitting the side netting from a free-kick and Claudio making a fine low save from another Riveros effort.
City started the second half pressing for a second goal, with Jesus nearly converting a chance off Vaclik’s foot, but the ball went out of play.
Lacroix narrowly missed connecting with a floating ball from Luca Zuffi, while Oleksandr Zinchenko made a crucial defensive stop to block Elyounoussi from penetrating the City box.
Despite City’s dominance, Basel struck again in the 71st minute with Michael Lang scoring from a tight angle, assisted by Elyounoussi’s clever cross from the right flank.
Vaclik then showcased his skills denying substitute Brahim Diaz, but City managed to control the game comfortably to seal the victory.
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