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As it happenedended

Manchester City vs Hoffenheim as it happened: City top come from behind to top Champions League group

Follow all of the latest from the Etihad Stadium

Nathan Jacobs
Wednesday 12 December 2018 19:24 GMT
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Man City v Hoffenheim: Champions League match preview

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Leroy Sane struck twice as Manchester City came from behind to secure top spot in Champions League Group F with a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim.

Sane cancelled out former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric's early penalty with a stunning free-kick just before half time and grabbed his second on the hour.

City also hit the woodwork twice as they created numerous chances after making a sluggish start.

Pep Guardiola's side, who gave valuable experience to 18-year-old Phil Foden, dominated the second half and Sane could have had a hat-trick had he not passed up another shooting chance.

26 mins: CHANCE UNITED! 

Mata's strike is deflected away for a corner from a tight angle. 

The chance comes to nothing, though.

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:28

27 mins: Spate of bookings at Mestalla as Lato gets some retribution against Valencia, receiving a yellow and Bailly also receives one for taking out Domenech. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:31

30 mins: CHANCE VALENCIA!

What a chance for Batshuayi and it's all too easy for Valencia. 

They switch the ball to the right with ease and Soler's ball in is a beauty. 

It reaches the Belgian striker but he doesn't connect with his head, with the ball coming off his shoulder and flying high to safety. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:33

33 mins: CHANCE VALENCIA! 

2 more chances come and go for the Spaniards as Parejo's corner is met by Soler who forces Romero into a good save.

They recycle the ball but Diakhaby can't reach the crossed ball. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:35

34 mins: HOW HAS HE MISSED? 

Paul Pogba has missed an absolute sitter but will be relieved to have turned around and seen the offside flag up (albeit wrongly). 

Fellaini outmuscles the defender and wins the header, flicked on to the far post where Pogba is lurking but he somehow puts his shot wide. 

I genuinely have no idea how. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:37

33 mins: CITY HIT THE BAR! 

Twice in this half they've been denied by the bar and this time it's Otamendi's header who finds the bar following Gundogan's fantastic free-kick. 

Hoffenheim living dangerously but they have been very impressive going forward too. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:38

I told you it was bad... 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:43

Meanwhile, Young Boys are doing the unthinkable and are currently leading against Juventus. 

It's a shame United aren't doing anything about it, at the moment. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:44

43 mins: CHANCE VALENCIA!

Batshuayi again after good work from the Spanish side on the left hand side. 

Cheryshev works the ball nicely to Mina who then feeds the Belgian striker. 

However, he loses his composure just as he prepares to shoot and watches his effort balloon wide. 

Valencia on top. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:45

Valencia 1-0 United 

United go in at the break without a shot on target and looking like they have no direction and no idea. 

Valencia have been the better side and Soler's impressive strike gives them a much deserved half-time lead. 

Can Mourinho's side recover in the second half?

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:50

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