Europa League: Sporting Lisbon v Manchester City - in pictures
The last 16 of the Europa League sees City, victors over Porto in the last round, facing another Portugese team, Sporting. Sergio Aguëro starts up front for City along with Edin Dzeko and David Silva, meaning Mario Balotelli is on the benchPhotograph: Marcos Borga/ReutersVincent Kompany's night doesn't last long. He hobbles off and is replaced by Joleon Lescott in the 12th minutePhotograph: Scott Heavey/Getty ImagesCity's adventurous approach is causing the home side problems ...Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images
Kolo Toure (pictured) has a solid header cleared by the keeper's feet. But he's got plenty of defensive duties to attend to as well, because Sporting are posing a threat themselvesPhotograph: Armando Franca/APSix minutes into the second half, Joe Hart can only parry a ball from a Sporting free-kick and a dangerous situation arises inside the six yard box ...Photograph: Francisco Seco/APThe ball falls to Xandao who, facing away from goal, back-heels it beyond the outstretched keeperPhotograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images... and in between the posts. It's an outrageous effort from a centre-half - then again, he is BrazilianPhotograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images1-0 to Sporting. Though you'd think they were four or five up from the look of the celebrationsPhotograph: Manuel De Almeida/EPAThe second half, like the first, brings a smattering of opportunities. But this is still a cagey affair. Here, Xandao is penalised for a high foot when challenging Edin DzekoPhotograph: Mario Cruz/EPAThe City manager Roberto Mancini is losing his patiencePhotograph: Scott Heavey/Getty ImagesHe brings on Balotelli, whose creativity gives City welcome momentumPhotograph: Rafael Marchante/ReutersIn the closing stages, Balotelli hits the bar with an arcing header and Agueor is denied when his shot, having gone under the keeper, is turned away by a back-peddling defenderPhotograph: Scott Heavey/Getty ImagesAguero appeals for handball but the referee doesn't award a penalty. City are frustrated for the remainder of the match and fail to score the away goal they desire. Final score: 1-0Photograph: Armando Franca/AP
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