UEFA Champions League
Result: Manchester City 6-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
Date: 07 November 2018
Venue: Etihad
Manchester City punished a hapless Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 to edge closer to qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.
City's first chance on goal came when Aleks Zinchenko put in a low cross for Gabriel Jesus but the latter planted straight to the hands of the opposing goalkeeper inside 10 minutes.
The Citizens raced in front after two minutes courtesy of an easy tap-in from David Silva off a cross by Riyad Mahrez for an ideal start at home.
The lead increased from the penalty spot after a foul on Raheem Sterling, although replays showed the winger tripped himself.
Nevertheless, Jesus then stepped ahead to complete the place-kick for a comfortable cushion.
Shakhtar went straight on the attack afterwards and Bolbat should've cut the deficit when inside the box but directed the effort over the top.
A smart run from Taison through to the box saw the defence opening up to allow him to have a crack at goal.
In the second half, City went into third gear as Sterling ran past two players before cutting inside to find the top corner with a delightful curler.
In a game of little chances afterwards City ruffled their stall and brought on fresh faces in light of their balancing act to see out the contest.
Danilo came on for Kyle Walker just after 10 minutes of action into the second period. While Shakhtar tried to get their act together, further misery befell them.
A foul inside the box on Silva earned them a second penalty and Jesus smashed it home for his second of the evening.
The floodgates opened up in the latter stages as City made it five through Riyad Mahrez 's half-volley from outside the box.
A minute to the end, it was sixth when Jesus completed his hat-trick, his first in the competition since joining the club with a cool finish to seal an inevitable victory which takes City closer to knockout qualification.
