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Pep Guardiola says Man City win over Shakhtar Donetsk 'a big victory'

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Pep Guardiola and defender John Stones reflect on City's 2-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League

Pep Guardiola felt Manchester City came through a tough test as they claimed a nervy 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

City were stifled by the confident Ukrainian champions in Tuesday's Group F clash at the Etihad Stadium, but eventually prevailed with second-half goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.

After chalking up some big wins in their recent outings, it was a different sort of victory for City but manager Guardiola was impressed with the attitude of his side against difficult opposition.

He said: "We made an extraordinary performance, especially in the second half. They play short passes, they make amazing build-up, they are a machine. They are well organised defensively.

"So, a lot of credit (for) our victory. We faced a team who demand a lot to beat them. It was a big victory for us."

City were frustrated for large spells in the first half and Shakhtar had some opportunities to take the lead. Ederson produced a fine save to deny Marlos and Fernandinho made a crucial tackle on Fred.

Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (C) celebrates scoring his team's first goal
Image: Kevin De Bruyne scored the opening goal of the game at the Etihad Stadium

De Bruyne broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range effort three minutes into the second half and City were able to find another gear.

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Sergio Aguero missed the chance to equal the club's goalscoring record when he was twice denied by Andriy Pyatov saves - one of them from the penalty spot. Substitute Sterling wrapped up the win in the last minute.

"We didn't concede almost anything but it is a tough, tough, tough team to play, Shakhtar Donetsk, always," he added.

"In the last eight or 10 years, they were always in the Champions League. They sometimes arrive in the quarter-finals. It is always complicated to play against them, that is why I am so satisfied."

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Guardiola says left-back Benjamin Mendy's injury is much worse than originally expected

Guardiola was not overly concerned about Aguero's frustrations, backing him to pull level with record-holder Eric Brook on 177 goals soon.

He said: "That is going to happen. It doesn't matter today. He doesn't have to score 50 goals to break a record. It is just one."

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