Napoli vs Manchester City, 5 Talking Points
Manchester City produced yet another attacking masterclass as they consigned Napoli to a 4-2 defeat at the San Paolo to canter into the last 16.
Having started the game on the stronger note, the hosts managed to sneak ahead when Lorezo Insigne struck home a cheeky back-pass from Dries Mertens. The Partenopei looked to have learnt their lesson from the night at Etihad, but we were so misled.
The opener only spurred Guardiola's men on, as the visitors staged a frightening blitzkrieg that tore Napoli apart.
Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling, all found the net for the Premier League leaders, who continue to gyrate in the la la land that they're in right now.
Let's delve into some of the key talking points from the amazing night in Naples:
#5 Manchester City are the real deal
Not many had expected Manchester City's new season to pan out in the way that it has. Sauntering their way to the top of the Premier League standings with a string of big victories, the Skyblues have successfully transcended (domestic) boundaries and replicated their blistering form in European games too.
Like what we witnessed in the previous tie between these sides, City once again started on the front foot, making dangerous forays into the box, threatening early on with a couple of attempts. However, it was not until Insigne's opener that they truly upped the ante and started firing.
There was a greater sense of urgency in every dart forward and Napoli were soon in a tizzy. The visitors continued to push bodies upfront as they made the opportunities count, apart from some harmless shots here and there. The rearguard too, tightened up after being caught off guard early on, whilst the penalty conceded looked needless on their side.
But looking from a bigger perspective, City have truly announced themselves on the big stage. No obstacle seems big enough to shackle Guardiola's band of swashbucklers, for they are on a roll. Though we are still at an early stage of the competition and City may still not be outright favourites to lift the trophy this season, underestimate them at your own peril.
Europe, are you watching?