And with a challenge all to reminiscent of Nigel de Jong in the World Cup final it was over. Mario Balotelli saw red in the first half and despite going on to win on the night, courtesy of an Aleksandar Kolarov strike, City went out of the Europa League 2-1 on aggregate.
Roberto Mancini went with his strongest available line-up and in the opening minutes City could have taken the lead. That man Mario skied a presentable chance over the bar. Kiev chose to defend their advantage and looked a far weaker side than they had in the Ukraine.
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Hart – A relatively quiet evening as Kiev showed little interest in scoring an away goal. 6
Richards – Sought to push forward whenever possible but didn’t always receive the ball. Kiev defenders became wise to his runs and he needs to vary them a little. 6
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City go into the 12th game of our Europa League campaign knowing it will be the last unless a two goal deficit to Dynamo Kiev is overturned. Unbeaten in 11 games and dangerous on the break there is also the fear that a goal for the Ukrainians will leave City needing four.
Whether we can cope with another five games in the Europa League, or whether we would be better off out of it, is a question currently dividing City fans.
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City booked their first appearance at the new Wembley, and their first FA Cup semi-final since 1981 courtesy of a Micah Richards header from a David Silva corner. Reading provided spirited opposition but the return of Nigel de Jong helped ease City through.
Signs of fatigue were inevitable in a City side who had only returned from the Ukraine at 5am on Friday morning. Mancini sought to refresh his side intelligently with four changes in the shape of Vieira, de Jong, Wright-Phillips and Tevez.
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