Europa League: Sporting Lisbon v Manchester City - in pictures

The last 16 of the Europa League sees City, victors over Porto in the last round, facing another Portugese team, Sporting. Sergio Aguëro starts up front for City along with Edin Dzeko and David Silva, meaning Mario Balotelli is on the bench Photograph: Marcos Borga/Reuters Vincent Kompany's night doesn't last long. He hobbles off and is replaced by Joleon Lescott in the 12th minute Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images City's adventurous approach is causing the home side problems ... Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Kolo Toure (pictured) has a solid header cleared by the keeper's feet. But he's got plenty of defensive duties to attend to as well, because Sporting are posing a threat themselves Photograph: Armando Franca/AP Six minutes into the second half, Joe Hart can only parry a ball from a Sporting free-kick and a dangerous situation arises inside the six yard box ... Photograph: Francisco Seco/AP The ball falls to Xandao who, facing away from goal, back-heels it beyond the outstretched keeper Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images ... and in between the posts. It's an outrageous effort from a centre-half - then again, he is Brazilian Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images 1-0 to Sporting. Though you'd think they were four or five up from the look of the celebrations Photograph: Manuel De Almeida/EPA The second half, like the first, brings a smattering of opportunities. But this is still a cagey affair. Here, Xandao is penalised for a high foot when challenging Edin Dzeko Photograph: Mario Cruz/EPA The City manager Roberto Mancini is losing his patience Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images He brings on Balotelli, whose creativity gives City welcome momentum Photograph: Rafael Marchante/Reuters In the closing stages, Balotelli hits the bar with an arcing header and Agueor is denied when his shot, having gone under the keeper, is turned away by a back-peddling defender Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Aguero appeals for handball but the referee doesn't award a penalty. City are frustrated for the remainder of the match and fail to score the away goal they desire. Final score: 1-0 Photograph: Armando Franca/AP