We fight to the end! Manuel Pellegrini on the team-talk that saved Man City's Euro

Posted Thursday, November 27, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

Sergio Aguero scored a dramatic hat-trick to give Manchester City extra hope of reaching the Champions League knockout stages.

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But it took a rousing half-time speech from boss Manuel Pellegrini to spark the amazing fightback.

The Chilean coach warned his players they were in the last chance saloon and had just 45 minutes to save their season in Europe.

And he was rewarded when City fought from 2-1 down against ten men to snatch victory with hero Sergio Aguero scoring twice in the last five minutes.

"During half-time I talked with the players and told them we had 45 minutes left to score and that they must fight to the end because it was our last chance to continue in Champions League," said the Chilean.

"That is why it has double merit, not just to beat Bayern Munich who played very well, but also not to fall down on the spirit."

"Maybe another team would have let their heads drop, but I don't think this team ever does it. We fight to the end."

City can now go through to the knockout stages if they win or secure a 1-1 or higher-scoring draw at Roma in a fortnight - as long as CSKA Moscow do not triumph in Munich.

Bayern were already through as group winners even before last night's match, but boss Pep Guardiola has promised Pellegrini that his men won't make it easy for CSKA.

"I think Manchester City know we are going to try to win the game," he said.

"I think everyone could see we did not come here to Manchester for a holiday or to have fun. We came here to win the game and we will do the same against Moscow."

"When we play sh*t we play sh*t. But I am sad today for the players because they didn't deserve to lose."

City went ahead on 21 minutes when Aguero scored from the spot after being brought down by Medhi Benatia, with the defender also being sent off.

But Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski put the German giants ahead before half-time and Pellegrini looked in trouble until Aguero struck late twice late on.