Aguero gives City headstart with win at Porto

Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score a late tap-in that handed Manchester City a 2-1 win over holders Porto and put them in the driving seat to reach the Europa League last 16 on Thursday.

City went ahead thanks to a second-half own goal by Uruguay international Alvaro Pereira before Aguero’s effort handed them a comfortable cushion ahead of next week’s second leg in Manchester.

Portugal champions Porto were not intimidated by City’s superb English Premier League form and controlled the first half at the Dragao Stadium, scoring the opener through Portugal international Silvestre Varela in the 27th minute.

But the hosts lost their way in the second half and their misery was compounded by Pereira’s own-goal.

Porto and City both dropped into the second-tier Europa League after group-stage exits from the Champions League.