UCL: Sevilla 1-3 Manchester City - Sterling at the Races

Raheem Sterling recorded his first ever UEFA Champions League goal in Manchester City's 3-1 win at Sevilla. The victory ensured passage to the knockout stages for the Blues. Sterling's cutting-edge performance that was complimented by similarly outstanding play on the other wing Jesus Navas tore open the reigning UEFA Europa League Champions.

The display showed to the entire European football community why the Blues spent upwards of $75 million on the England National Team star. Sterling, who is still just 20 showed he has far more to his game than just pace in a performance that ranks among the best from a Blues winger on the big stage. Not since Shaun Wright-Phillips or maybe even Peter Barnes has Manchester City had a winger who has turned in multiple mouth-warming performances in such a short period of time.

Sterling started the Premier League season well but has recently been less consistent. However on Tuesday night in arguably the most important match of the Blues season this far, he was consistently brilliant. Whether it was making mazy runs off the wing, combining with Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony on the counter attack or taking on defenders with deliberative touches, Sterling was outstanding.

Following the performance the English youngster spoke to the official MCFC website:

"It was a special goal for me - my first in the Champions League but the most important thing was the way the team played tonight. I thought we were excellent, we took our chances and it was a great all-round team performance.

"It's great to be part of this squad and with the players we've got I'm learning every day. I'm just glad to be here and to be able to take part in football matches like this one."

The Blues can win the group with a victory in Turin over Juventus on Matchday 5.