Pelle vindicated by Euro super show

MANUEL Pellegrini claimed vindication for his controversial FA Cup selection as Manchester City put their first foot in the Champions League quarter finals.

City produced one of their best performances of the season to beat Dynamo Kiev 3–1 in the first leg of their last–16 tie in the Ukrainian capital.

Goals from Sergio Aguero and David Silva put City in charge, and Yaya Toure made victory certain in an impressive return to form by City.

The result justified Pellegrini’s decision to field a weakened team in Sunday’s 5–1 defeat by Chelsea, for which he was heavily criticised.

Pellegrini said: “You always get criticism when you don’t win, but for the manager it is important to take the right decision.”

The side Pellegrini selected for this game did him proud, with a performance that underlined the team’s growing maturity in Europe.

Aguero put them ahead after 15 minutes, taking advantage of poor defending at a corner to lash home before Silva doubled the advantage from a Raheem Sterling cross before the break.

Dynamo, playing their first competitive match since December, stirred in the second half and had gone close before Buyalskiy levelled just before the hour.

City had two penalty appeals rejected, but they came under heavy pressure and it took a fine Joe Hart save to deny Buyalskiy an equaliser.

The visitors eventually weathered the storm and Toure put the result beyond doubt with a fine curling finish in the last minute.