Manchester City was in control of the first half, outshooting their hosts 10-2 over the first 45 minutes, but when they went into halftime drawn 0-0, you couldn’t help but recall their last two season’s failures. Manuel Pellegrini had emphasized the importance of today’s game pre-match, but when the favorites failed to break through despite their first half chances (four shots on goal, 68 percent possession), memories of third and fourth place finishes in the last two group stages edged ever-closer.
Then the Citizens exploded: 13 minutes; three goals; and potentially a new outlook on Champions League.
The onslaught started when Edin Dzeko converted a goal created by Sergio Agüero, the Bosnian’s left-footed finish giving City a 48th minute lead. Five minutes later, a long-distance strike from Yaya Touré beat Matús Kozacik into the upper-right hand corner, doubling the visitor’s lead. An additional five minutes gave City an additional goal, with Agüero rewarded for a dominant night with a sharp finish from the top of the area.
When the whistle blew on the second half, Plzen had hopes of holding out against their talented guests. Thirteen minutes later, City were up 3-0. Game over.