CL: Raheem Sterling sets the tone as Man City reach knockouts

Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League football match Sevilla FC vs Manchester City at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla

Johannesburg: Manchester City sealed the Champions League last 16 berth after cruising past rivals Sevilla 3-1 in a thrilling Group D contest.


Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League football match Sevilla FC vs Manchester City at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla. Pic/AFP

In a blistering attacking first-half display, Raheem Sterling put the tourists ahead in the eighth minute before Fernandinho headed another three minutes later, Sport24 reported.

Although Benoit Tremoulinas pulled one back for Sevilla in the 25th minute, City striker Wilfried Bony made it 3-1 before half-time to wrap up victory.

With the win, City have topped their group and reached knockout stage with two matches to spare.