City follow Manchester United in winning at the Riazor- usually an unhappy hunting ground for opposition sides.
Over in England, used to watching the Premier League every week, with City leading the league we are used to the sight of them winning.
So when they came away from Portugal with a creditable 2-1 victory, it almost seemed routine.
It was not. City had only won two of their last seven away games, while Porto had not lost at home in 32 matches.
What is more, is that Porto’s home record in European competition is even more noteworthy.
In 2008, a 40-yard Cristiano Ronaldo strike made Manchester United the only English club to ever beat Porto on their own ground in European competition.
Now City have followed up that achievement with breathtaking accomplishment.
It was not all plain sailing last night.
At half-time, supporters could have been forgiven for trotting out the ‘We’ll concentrate on the Premier League’ mantra, but two second half goals has given the side belief.
They needed it. Prior to the game City had a 1-2 win-loss record away in Europe this season, winning at Villareal, but losing to Napoli and Bayern Munich.
Mancini was brave in leaving out record signing Sergio Aguero, a player who had looked in need of a rest in previous games.
It worked, his substitution on for Mario Balotelli, who had wasted City’s best chance, was a masterstroke with Aguero netting the winning goal after Yaya Toure’s driving run.
Toure was the difference-maker, without him, the match would likely have ended a draw.
City fans will be thrilled to have him available again, while Lescott and De Jong both put in superb individual performances.
There is a lot of football still to be played, but with United winning in Ajax, surely we are heading for an all-Manchester final in May?
image: © Gene Hunt
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
