Ten-man Manchester City came back from a goal down to win a thrilling 3-2 match over Schalke in the first leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday, and hoo buddy it was fantastic. (Unless you’re a Schalke fan.)
It’s a tough defeat for Schalke, who took a 2-1 lead after converting two penalty kicks in the first half, and then went up a man when Nicolas Otamendi was sent off for Manchester City. It looked like the match was wrapped up, but a free kick goal from Leroy Sane and a beautiful breakaway finish from Raheem Sterling gave the Manchester side the victory.
The game started with Sergio Aguero capitalizing off a horrendous Schalke mistake in their own box.
Manchester City 1 – 0 Schalke: Aguero
Then it was time for penalties. The initial penalty was called after a lengthy video review, and ended with Schalke converting the spot kick to equalize.
Manchester City 1 – 1 Schalke: Nabil Bentaleb (PK)
Next we had another spot kick, this time for a foul in the box by Fernandinho. Again, Bentaleb finished.
Manchester City 1 – 2 Schalke: Nabil Bentaleb (PK)
Things got worse for Manchester City then, as Nicolas Otamendi was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.
Then the comeback was on. The first goal came from a spectacular finish off a free kick from Leroy Sane. What a beauty.
Manchester City 2 – 2 Schalke: Leroy Sane
And then the ender. Raheem Sterling just needed a little bit of space to break down the Schalke defense and win the game.
Manchester City 3 – 2 Schalke: Raheem Sterling
Schalke will head into the second leg with a chance, of course, but things look bleak for the side after that performance.
