The biggest first-leg lead in the admittedly short history of the Champions League playoffs was extended to a 6-0 aggregate by the end in a simple exercise in running and passing, as Manchester City beat Steaua Bucharest 1-0 on Wednesday. Even the passing was not done in the customary slick manner, as the Romanians appeared happy to stifle and play on the break, despite the overwhelming scoreline. The game will perhaps rest long in the memory as a sad farewell to Joe Hart and Yaya Toure, with the former looking resigned to his fate, while the latter looked a spent force even at this relatively slow pace.
Yaya Toure huffs and puffs in potential final appearance for Manchester City
