FC Porto1 Manchester City 2:MANCHESTER CITY forced a late win from a Sergio Aguero strike but this entertaining contest was tainted by the racist chants aimed at Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure.
Kolo Toure, an unused member of City’s playing staff here, was said to have been shocked at what sounded like monkey noises made at his brother when he disputed a decision made by referee Cuneyt Cakir in the first half, and Balotelli also seemed to draw a similar noise as the opening 45 minutes drew to a close.
The Italian was then subjected to more chants when he was replaced by Aguero in the 77th minute.
After Yaya and Kolo Toure jetted into northern Portugal from the disappointment of losing the Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties, Roberto Mancini offered a surprise by selecting the younger of the Ivorians in a strong XI.
Yaya Toure is the driving force in Mancini’s side, and with City having no action after this until the return leg next Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium the Italian hoped his talisman could instantly resume where he had left off after his last appearance on January 3th – the 3-0 league win over Liverpool in which he scored.
But despite a powerhouse City front six that had Toure flanked by David Silva and Samir Nasri with the returning Mario Balotelli up top and Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong in front of the defence, Mancini’s team would walk off at the break losing 1-0.
It was Toure who produced the game’s first surge, a run along the right flank that turned the home defence. This was then superseded by Vitor Pereira having the satisfaction of watching his side find their slick gears.
The coach, who took charge of the holders of this competition after Andre Villas-Boas’s treble of domestic championship, Portuguese Cup and Europa League landed him the Chelsea job last summer, saw most of his side’s joy come down Micah Richards’ right flank.
James Rodriguez twice moved inside from his left channel to sweep the ball across midfield, the second time finding Silvestre Varela on the opposing flank in space which he might have exploited better.
After Alvaro Pereira and Joao Moutinho exchanged quick-quick passes down the left and the former’s ball into the City area was mopped up by Gareth Barry, the visitors had a serious scare. The game’s opening corner was played short by Rodriguez, and when the ball came floating in, Rolando was allowed a free header that hit Gael Clichy and was tipped over by Joe Hart. This awoke City, who three times might have taken the lead Porto would assume on 27 minutes.
Before Varela’s strike, a Samir Nasri free-kick found Toure and his snap shot forced the save from Helton. When the ball rebounded to Micah Richards lurking to the right of Porto’s area, his attempt was again repelled by the keeper, this time low to his left. Moments later Nasri zoomed beyond the home defence and blazed a 25-yarder at Helton, who produced his third impressive stop.
The opener arrived after Hulk became the latest Porto man to give Richards a problem along his right berth, zipping past the defender and unloading a low ball that Varela beat Vincent Kompany to for the finish.
As the half neared its end there was a further alarm for Mancini’s troops: a corner from the left came out to Lucho Gonzalez and the midfielder’s instant effort pin-balled off the City rearguard and de Jong had to clear with an overhead kick.
The so far anonymous Balotelli had two late chances to level proceedings: first with a header he was too sluggish with and then to convert Clichy’s curving ball from the left.
This proved an augury of better fortunes (and a helping of luck) when the game resumed following the break. First, Richards smacked the ball off the post early on and then on 55 minutes City had the equaliser.
A Toure cross was aimed towards Balotelli and Alvaro Pereira, and when the pair collided the ball hit the Porto defender and beat Helton who had broken from his line.
After their late strike, City will fancy their chances of progressing but this night will not be recalled for the football.
Guardian Service
FC PORTO: Helton, Danilo (Mangala 22), Rolando, Maicon, Pereira, Gonzalez, Fernando, Joao Moutinho, Varela (Kleber 77), Hulk, James Rodriguez, Mangala (Defour 89). Subs not used: Bracali, Cristian Rodriguez, Djalma, Alex Sandro. Booked: Danilo, Pereira.
MANCHESTER CITY: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Barry, De Jong, Nasri (Zabaleta 88), Toure Yaya, Silva (Kolarov 82), Balotelli (Aguero 78). Subs not used: Pantilimon, Pizarro, Dzeko, Savic. Booked: Toure Yaya, Kompany, De Jong, Barry, Nasri, Richards.
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir(Turkey).
