Manchester City completed their unlikely Champions League turnaround with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Roma. Goals from Samir Nasri and then Pablo Zabaleta gave Manuel Pellegrini’s men the three points they needed to secure a place above Roma in the group and Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory over CSKA Moscow cemented City’s place in the last 16.
City started the game extremely sluggish and that gave Roma chances in the opening exchanges. Jose Holebas forced a smart save from Joe Hart from close range before Gervinho fired his shot just wide of goal. Edin Dzeko put a half chance over before Jesus Navas then had the ball in the back of the net only for the referee to blow for a foul by Dzeko.
The second half began the same as the first ended in a very lacklustre pace but then an excellent 25 yard strike from Samir Nasri hit the post before hitting the back of Morgan de Sanctis’s goal.
This goal then meant Roma needed to beat City in order to advance and then they went in search of an equaliser with Joe Hart called into action to tip a Holebas header onto the post.
Martin Demichellis then cleared the ball of the line after an error from Hart which seen appeals for handball turned down by the referee. City then seen their dominance turn into another goal as Pablo Zabeleta surged forward to slot his shot into the bottom corner sending his fans into raptures as they knew this had virtually put them through.
This is only the second time City have advanced from the group stages and they will be hoping for a favourable tie this time around.
The draw will see them handed Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona or FC Porto.