De Bruyne stunner helps City topple Shakhtar

Belgium midfielder De Bruyne exchanged passes with the excellent David Silva before curling in his first goal of the season from the edge of the area. Raheem Sterling added a late second from fellow substitute Bernardo Silva's cutback.

Striker Sergio Aguero, looking to equal Eric Brook's all-time goalscoring record for City, suffered a rare off night and had a second-half penalty saved by Shakhtar's Andriy Pyatov. The Argentine also had two further efforts pushed away by the Ukraine goalkeeper. Having found the net 22 times in their previous five games, City were expected to steamroller their opponents but were left frustrated in a goalless opening period which saw De Bruyne shoot wide from a one-on-one situation and Leroy Sane drill a low shot inch off target.

Shakhtar had chances themselves, and Brazilian Marlos forced Ederson into a fine, full-stretch save, while former Newcastle striker Facundo Ferreyra nodded a free header wide from six yards out.

Eredivisie champions Feyenoord, who were thrashed 4-0 by City in their opening group game, lost 3-1 against Serie A side Napoli in Tuesday's other group game. Ukrainian champions Shakhtar were one of the best teams City have faced this season and the Premier League leaders had to contend with some difficult moments before collecting the three points.

Pep Guardiola's free-scoring side have blown away many of their opponents but they were made to work hard this time and have now won eight out of their nine games in all competitions, netting 29 times and conceding just three.