MC easily beat Shakhtar Donetsk, Liverpool held to a draw

Early morning of September 27, Manchester City (MC) continued to show impressive form when defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 at Etihad Stadium in the second match of Group F of the Champions League. Meanwhile, in Group E, Liverpool disappointed with a 1-1 draw at Spartak Moscow Stadium.

De Bruyne's opening goal for MC. Photo: Reuters

De Bruyne's joy after scoring for MC Photo: Getty Images

At the Etihad Stadium, Shakhtar Donetsk caused MC a lot of trouble with a crowded defense in front of the 16m50 box. MC's deadlock was clearly shown in the first half when coach Pep Guardiola's students completely controlled the game but could not get close to goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov's goal.

In the first 45 minutes, "Man City" only had 1 chance but unfortunately, facing goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov, midfielder De Bruyne disappointed when his shot missed the post.

However, with the acceleration in the beginning of the second half, MC penetrated Shakhtar Donetsk's defense. In the 49th minute, from a quick attack in the middle, David Silva dribbled the ball down to the edge of the penalty area and then made a cross pass to De Bruyne. In an unmarked position, the Belgian midfielder skillfully shot with the inside of his right foot, sending the ball into the top corner, defeating goalkeeper Pyatov, opening the score for the home team.

Aguero's missed penalty. Photo: Reuters

Having conceded a goal, Shakhtar Donetsk pushed forward to find an equalizer and the chances continued to come to MC when the away team's defense revealed many gaps. However, in an unlucky evening, striker Sergio Aguero failed to beat goalkeeper Pyatov on the 11m mark (72'), while Raheem Sterling and De Bruyne missed two opportunities when facing the goalkeeper, preventing the "Man City" from doubling the gap.

Although coach Guardiola's students missed many good opportunities, with a completely overwhelming game and continuous pressure, MC also scored the second goal at the end of the match.

Sterling (left) celebrates the goal that raised the score to 2-0 for MC Photo: Reuters

In the 90th minute, from a move up the right wing, Sterling passed the ball to Bernardo Silva, who then ran into the penalty area to receive the cross. This midfielder fired a shot past goalkeeper Pyatov, sealing a 2-0 victory for MC.

With this win, MC firmly holds the top spot in Group F with 6 points after two consecutive wins.

* In contrast to MC, Liverpool continued to disappoint with a 1-1 draw at Spartak Moscow in the second match of Group E.

Fernando's joy after opening the scoring for Spartak Moscow. Photo: Reuters

In this match, Liverpool did not start well and let Spartak Moscow take the lead in the 23rd minute after a classy free kick from about 25m from Fernando. However, with a strong fight back afterwards, Liverpool found the equalizer thanks to Philippe Coutinho (31') with a close-range finish after a beautiful combination with Sane.

Coutinho celebrates Liverpool's equalizer 1-1. Photo: Reuters

In the remaining minutes of the match, Liverpool completely dominated but coach Jurgen Klopp's students could not break through Spartak Moscow's net again, and had to accept leaving the field with 1 point.

This is Liverpool's second consecutive draw in the Champions League this year. With this draw, Liverpool ranks second in Group E with 2 points, equal with Spartak Moscow and 2 points behind the top team Sevilla (who beat Maribor 3-0).

According to TTO