Manchester City recorded their biggest win in the Champions League as they thrashed the Ukrainian team Shakhtar Donetsk at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night and are now three points clear at the top of Group F with two games remaining to confirm their place in the last 16.
But Liverpool midfielder James Milner said City was incorrect in the first half when the Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai awarded them a penalty after Raheem Sterling tripped himself up inside Shakhtar’s area.
Speaking to media, City manager Pep Guardiola pointed out that Milner did not do the same during Liverpool’s Champions League match with City last season.
“He could do that [admit the mistake]. But last season Liverpool… Milner could say that the pass to the second goal in the 44th minute it was a legal goal. But Mateu Lahoz didn’t want to concede that goal, so that’s why it happened, but he [Sterling could do that, yes.” Guardiola said.
The Citizens, who hit six past Southampton last Sunday, were quickly out of the blocks again, taking the lead after 13 minutes when Riyadh Mahrez pulled back for David Silva to turn home from close range.
They were gifted a second following referee’s decision to award them a penalty. Gabriel Jesus took full advantage, converting from the spot.
“We don’t like to score a goal in that situation but [Sterling] didn’t realise. The referee at the end realised. The Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz, he realised, he didn’t want to concede.” Guardiola said.
“But in that situation [Sterling] didn’t realise because he wanted to chip. Caught the grass, goes down, it’s not a penalty.” Guardiola added.
Raheem Sterling apologises after controversial penalty award against Shakhtar Donetsk. (Source:www.thetelegraph.co.uk)
Guardiola won the Champions League twice as a manager with Barcelona and the Spaniard is hoping to repeat that with City this season.
City and Manchester United go head this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. Their next Champions League fixture is a trip to Lyon on November 27.
“After the first game against Lyon, we were then down against Hoffenheim, so the situation was dangerous but since the we have got three wins and we still need more points to get to the next stage,” Guardiola said.
