Man City Held 1-1 by Madrid at Etihad; Out of Champions League

Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City have been knock-out of the Champions League from the group-stage for the second consecutive time after they were held 1-1 by Real Madrid in their Group D match Day 5 encounter at Etihad Stadium on November 22.

The English Champions went into this match knowing only a win will keep their Champions League dream alive but Mourinho’s men took the lead as early as in the 10 minute after Benzema found himself unmarked at the far post to tap in past City keeper Joe Hart. Mancini’s 3-4-1-2 formation for this crucial encounter was very questionable as it allowed Los Blancos’s Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Luka Modric to dominate the midfield area. City were much better in the second half throwing in Carlos Tevez to join Aguero and Edin Dzeko in the attack but Madrid were up-to the tasks. Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off for his second yellow after clipping Aguero in the box with 17 minutes to go. Aguero converted from the spot to make it 1-1 for City but the dream come-back never came for Roberto Mancini.

In another Group D match played, Borussia Dortmund thrashed Ajax FC 4-1 at Amsterdam Arena. Borussia and Madrid qualify for the Round of 16 from Group D.