Sergio Aguero broke Borussia Monchengladbach’s hearts from the penalty spot as Manchester City secured a 2-1 comeback win in Champions League Group D.
Following on from a chastening 4-1 Premier League loss at Tottenham on Saturday, Manuel Pellegrini’s team were largely woeful defensively as Monchengladbach thrilled a fervent crowd on their first home match in Europe’s top competition for 37 years.
City were indebted to Joe Hart, who brilliantly denied forward Raffael on a number of occasions – most notably from a 19th-minute spot-kick.
A deserved and stylish opening goal arrived nine minutes into the second half from Lars Stindl, heightening the pressure on City who, like the hosts, lost their opening group match.
Nicolas Otamendi endured much of the Bundesliga side’s attacking storm but found respite to net a 65th-minute equaliser.
His compatriot Aguero suffered frustrations similar to those of Raffael in front of goal from open play but held his nerve from 12 yards in the 90th minute – sending Yann Sommer the wrong way after being fouled by Fabian Johnson