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The first half saw some of the shoddy defensive efforts we have been getting in recent games. Following a collectively strong effort the complete opposite occurred in the first 45 and the stupid mistakes were punished by Doumbia, who seems to love scoring against City. After an early headed goal from Doumbia put CSKA up in the 2nd minute, Yaya got the sides level with a masterful free-kick six minutes later. With the game level you’d expect City to take that momentum and run with it, but that wasn't going to be the case. Following some close just missed chances by CSKA, Doumbia took advantage of another poor clearance this time by Clichy. The ball landed right at the feet of Natcho, who found Doumbia making a run into the left side of the box and the Ivorian beat Hart for his second on the night.
And, too put it nicely, the second half was just very, very ugly. It started out brightly with a lot of attacking play from City, but the boys were unable to find that bit of magic to find the back of the net. If you thought being down a goal was bad enough, a second yellow by Fernandhino saw the Brazilian sent off. Then, just minutes later, another sending off occurred for Yaya, which is unfortunate because he was having a vintage Yaya game. Yaya's was a straight, though he was on a yellow card as is, but it was another stupid foul by the Ivorian who let frustration get the best of him in a silly push of the CSKA player. To add insult to injury two poor calls by the referee, who certainly wasn't having his best day at the office, cost City being even 10 a side (though that would change minutes later) and a penalty chance. If City were awarded a penalty it would be an unjust end to a game City didn't deserve to win.
It's not mathematically over for City, but it sure does feel like it. Another poor Champions League showing from our Blues is very frustrating because of how good the side is doesn't show on the grandest of stages. On to the weekend with a match up against QPR, let's continue to get those premier league points.