Europa League: Manchester City ease past Salzburg

Manchester City 3-0 Red Bull Salzburg

Temperamental striker Mario Balotelli scored twice as Manchester City earned a comfortable victory over Salzburg and progressed to the last 32 of the Europa League.

The former Inter Milan striker opened the scoring after 18 minutes with a superb volley from Pablo Zabaleta’s left wing delivery.

Jo and Balotelli both had opportunities to add to City’s lead before the break, but despite their dominance, Roberto Mancini’s side went in at the break only one goal to the good.

Balotelli got his second after 65 minutes, deflecting home a wayward effort from Patrick Vieira. The 20-year old had to retire soon after with a hamstring injury and was replaced by want-away striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

With twelve minutes left on the clock, Adam Johnson added City’s third, the best goal of the night, when he cut in from his left-wing berth, beat three players and finished calmly past Gerhard Tremmel in the Salzburg goal.

City are now top of Group A on ten points, but their qualification was assured after Lech Poznan drew with Juventus in the group’s other encounter.