Europa League round-up: Aguero nicks a late win for City

Sergio Aguero’s late goal gave Manchester City a 2-1 win in the first leg of their round of 32 Europa League tie with Porto.

In a fiery affair at the Estádio do Dragão Roberto Mancini’s side came from behind to give themselves a great chance of progressing to the next round where they could face the winners of Legia Warsaw v Sporting Lisbon.

Porto started off on the front foot in Portugal as Rolando’s header was cleared off the line by Gael Clichy’s timely header.

But City struck back with long range hits from Samir Nasri and Micah Richards keeping Helton busy in the Porto goal.

The hosts took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Hulk, who had an eventful game, put in a low cross to Silvestre Varela, who flicked the ball past Joe Hart.

Roberto Mancini’s side almost equalised immediately but Helton once again produced a fine save to deny Mario Balotelli.

Eventually though City made a breakthrough, during a feisty second-half, as Balotelli played a pivotal role in City’s leveller.

Proving a nuisance up-front, the Italian striker forced Alvaro Pereira into a mistake after Yaya Toure put the ball into the box and the Uruguayan could only nudge the ball into the back of the net.

It looked like the game was heading for a draw but Aguero, on as a sub for Balotelli, won the game when he was left free at the back post to tap home Yaya Toure’s pass, giving the Citizens a great chance of winning the tie.

Meanwhile in the other tie of the night, Stoke City were beaten 1-0 by Valencia at the Britannia Stadium.

The La Liga outfit, though, showed their ability without getting out of third gear.

Jonas’ early chance for the Spaniards produced a good save from Asmir Begovic, while the hosts were denied a penalty when Peter Crouch thought he was fouled.
The deadlock was broken in the 36th minute when Mehmet Topal hit an unstoppable 25-yard drive into the top corner leaving Begovic with no chance.

Stoke tried to get back into the tie but their visitors were rarely troubled by their physical game and the tie ended 1-0.

The second legs of both games will be played on Thursday February 23.