City were missing three important players, Kyle Walker (suspension), Jack Grealish (injury) and Gabriel Jesus (injury) for this important match.<\/p>\n
This gave a chance for youngsters Luke Mbete, Liam Delap and James McActee to make if off the bench.<\/p>\n
The blues lined up in their standard 4-3-3 with Phil Foden playing the false nine position. With Kyle Walker suspended, Pep Guardiola sent out John Stones to fill the right back role as Joao Cancelo played his standard left back role.<\/p>\n
From the kick-off there was a clear difference in quality and City took dominated the opening exchanges.<\/p>\n
Riyad Mahrez scored the opener of the game with an assist from Kevin De Bruyne. The goal was originally called for offside but after a long VAR check, the goal was given.<\/p>\n
The second goal came from Portuguese international Bernado Silva with a left-foot volley from the edge of the box, a simply stunning goal on his return to his home country.<\/p>\n
Phil Foden then got in on the act with a fake shot sending the keeper to the floor and leaving an open net for him to tap the ball into making it 0-3 after half an hour.<\/p>\n
Although half-time loomed, City did not ease up with Bernardo Silva grabbing his second of the game. After a good run in behind from Sterling, Bernardo was left unmarked in the box and his deflected shot found the back of the net to make it four.<\/p>\n
City totally dominated the first half showing why they are favourited to win this year’s competition.<\/p>\n
After the break city resumed their dominance. Bernardo Silva thought he got his hattrick with a header at close range but it was quickly overruled by VAR for offside.<\/p>\n
The final goal of the game came in the 58th<\/sup> and wrapped up a brilliant evening for Sterling. He cut in onto his right foot and curled the ball into the far corner leaving no chance for the Sporting keeper.<\/p>\n Bernardo Silva received the Man of the Match award for his scintillating performance.<\/p>\n Watch his post-match interview with BT sport below:<\/p>\n