City go through after penalty shoot-out drama
Mark Hughes will lead his side into the Uefa Cup
Thursday, 28, Aug 2008 10:25
Manchester City have reached the first round of the Uefa Cup after coming through a penalty shoot-out against FC Midtjylland.
City, who lost the first leg 1-0 at home, were on the verge of going out as the match was heading for a 0-0 draw.
But two minutes into stoppage time, the Premier League team were rescued thanks to a Danny Califf own goal.
It was left to City keeper Joe Hart to be the hero as he saved two penalties in the shoot as his team won 4-2.
FC Midtjylland were fortunate to come away with the win in Manchester, but they were much the better side this evening and should have won the tie in normal time.
The Danish side had their best chances in the last 15 minutes and had they taken one, it would have all but killed off City. Collins Babajide had a golden chance to score but he missed with a free header from inside the box. The same player also wasted two more chances from only a few yards out.
Record signing Jo made his debut for City, but it was only when youngsters Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge were brought on, did City score the crucial goal.
It was Evans who leapt high to head a Michael Ball cross, the ball eventually went in off the unfortunate Califf. City dominated in extra time and Evans and Sturridge both saw efforts come off the bar.
Mark Hughes' men again looked to be heading out when Michael Johnson missed his spot-kick at 2-2. But England keeper Hart saved brilliantly from Borring and Kolja Afriyie to send his team through.