Super Sane at the double as City fight back to win group
Leroy Sane struck twice as Manchester City came from behind to secure top spot in Champions League Group F with a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim.
Sane cancelled out former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric’s early penalty with a stunning free-kick just before half time and grabbed his second on the hour.
City also hit the woodwork twice as they created numerous chances after making a sluggish start.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who gave valuable experience to 18-year-old Phil Foden, dominated the second half and Sane could have had a hattrick had he not passed up another shooting chance. It was an impressive performance from the German – left out of his country’s World Cup squad last summer – against a team from his homeland.
City, who were without a batch of star players through injury, initially looked like they were suffering a hangover from their weekend defeat at Chelsea.
Hoffenheim were more positive early and created an opening for Kramaric on the edge of theareafromwhereheshould have done better than shoot over. The lively Kramaric went closer with a fine curling effort moments later but Eder-
0 Leroy Sane slides the ball past Oliver Baumann to score his and Manchester City’s second goal against Hoffenheim at the Etihad Stadium. son tipped it round the post. Hoffenheim claimed the advantage in the 16th minute after Aymeric Laporte bundled over Benjamin Hubner. Kramaric comfortably tucked home from the spot.
City, who had only threatened previously when Ilkay Gundogan shot straight at Oliver Baumann, upped the tempo in response and, although lacking fluency, were a danger from set-pieces. Gabriel Jesus hit the post with a header from a corner and John Stones rose to meet a free-kick and force Baumann to save. Nicolas Otamendi also hit the woodwork with a header from a Gundogan free-kick.
Foden also had a chance after Raheem Sterling robbed Hubner but the youngster’s shot was blocked.
The leveller came on the stroke of half-time after City were awarded a free-kick around 25 yards out. With no obvious specialists from that range on the field, Sane took responsibility and curled a fine effort into the top corner.
Laporte drew a double save from Baumann following a corner early in the second half. His attempts would not have counted as Sane’s cross was ruled to have gone out of play but City were on top.
Sterling then led a threeon-one break from deep but Sane unselfishly opted to pass inside for Bernardo Silva instead of shooting and Baumann blocked.
Baumann also denied Jesus after the Brazilian was played in by a Sterling backheel but the keeper could do nothing after another quick counterattack on the hour. Sane combined beautifully with Sterling and made no mistake as he slid a shot under Baumann.
Foden struck a powerful left-foot volley that Baumann tipped over then turned provider for Sterling but another chance went begging as he shot wide from close range. l Lyonheldontosecondplace in the group by drawing 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk.