Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester City. UEFA Champions League Group F.
Metalist StadiumAttendance33,154.
Thursday 7 December 2017 07:19, UK
Manchester City's 28-match unbeaten run came to an end after losing 2-1 at Shakhtar Donetsk in their final Champions League Group C clash.
Jubilant Shakhtar, who needed only a point to qualify for the last 16, gained victory thanks to Bernard's fine curling effort (26) and Ismaily's simple finish (32) after City goalkeeper Ederson had committed himself outside of the box.
Sergio Aguero's injury-time penalty (90+1) halved the deficit, but the final result puts an end to City's fine run in all competitions, going back to April, as well as their 20-match winning streak from this season.
City had already secured top spot in the group before the game, and the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League will be at 11am on Monday, which you can follow live on Sky Sports' digital platforms.
With all group tables decided, Pep Guardiola's side will face either Bayern Munich, Basel, Juventus, Sevilla, Porto or holders Real Madrid.
Manchester City, looking ahead to Sunday's Manchester derby live on Sky Sports Premier League, made seven changes for the trip to Kharkiv as Guardiola handed 17-year-old Phil Foden his first start.
After a slow opening, the game burst to life when some Brazilian magic from Bernard gave the hosts the lead, curling into the top corner from 15 yards to the left of the penalty area.
Ederson then got down well to deny Bernard a second, but it was fellow Brazilian Ismaily who doubled Shakhtar's lead on 32 minutes from Marlos' fine lofted ball over the top. Ederson came rushing out, never fully committed as he missed the ball, and allowed Ismaily to roll home into the empty net to stun City.
Eliaquim Mangala did well to block Fred's effort before the break, while at the other end Gabriel Jesus failed to take advantage after being put through on goal by Foden's impressive through ball.
Leroy Sane almost halved the deficit after the break, forcing Andriy Pyatov into a save, but City's next chance came 10 minutes from time as sub Brahim Diaz did well to centre for Jesus, who squeezed an effort onto the outside of the post from close range.
City did get their goal in injury time as Jesus was brought down by Bohdan Butko in the box, with sub Sergio Aguero converting the spot kick, but Shakhtar held on for a fine victory.
In a game where Shakhtar needed a result, their key Brazilian attackers showed up. Bernard was the best of lot, setting them on their way with a superb curling effort created solely by himself after a very slow start to the game in Kharkiv.
He was a constant threat in the final third, and also made more interceptions (four) than any player on the pitch.
City now go to rivals Manchester United on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 4.30pm, before then going to Swansea on Wednesday night. They will find out their last 16 opponents in Monday's draw.