Boss Mancini blames himself

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said he was to blame for his side’s Europa League exit at the hands of Sporting Lisbon last night.

The Blues produced a stirring late comeback in the second-half of the second leg of their last–16 tie but went out on away goals after a 3–3 aggregate draw.

Matias Fernandez and Ricky van Wolfswinkel netted for the visitors in the first period.

Yet a Sergio Aguero brace and Mario Balotelli’s penalty in the final half–hour changed the picture dramatically as City won 3–2 on the night, with goalkeeper Joe Hart almost scoring a late header.

Mancini said: "In the first-half we didn't play, but I am the manager and it's not the players' fault, but mine – I probably made a mistake."