Thursday, December 2, 2010

Man City 3 Salzburg 0: Two-goal Mario Balotelli Sees Blues into Last 32

Mario Balotelli helped Manchester City forget their stuttering domestic form with a double strike as Roberto Mancini's side marched into the last 32 of the Europa League.

Balotelli's 18th minute volley and 64th minute tap-in not only helped City overcome Salzburg but ensured his side qualified for the knockout phase with one game to spare.

Adam Johnson
completed a highly satisfactory night for the hosts by scoring the best goal of the night 13 minute from time.

The unambitious Austrian visitors showed just why they are propping up Group A. They were poor throughout and City ought to have won by a more handsome margin.

Balotelli had already given warning of his attacking intent when he cut inside the area and fired narrowly over the bar in the sixth minute.

The Italian was then showed his greedy side when he shot straight at the keeper instead of squaring to the unmarked Jo following Patrick Vieira's defence-splitting 15th minute pass.

But three minutes later the former Inter Milan forward showed his class when he hooked a left-foot volley into the net following Pablo Zabaleta's cross. It was the £25 million striker's fourth goal since joining in August - and City's first at home for five hours and five minutes.

Balotelli's fifth goal of his City career was less spectacular. Johnson was the architect after dispossessing Stefan Hierlander before feeding Vieira who delivered the perfect ball for Balotelli to tap home from five yards.

Then Johnson sealed victory in the 77th minute, the England international breezing past four players before burying the ball with a delightful low effort.

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