City fire on all cylinders as United inch ahead

The result never seemed in doubt after Aguero hit his first from the penalty spot in the third minute at the Etihad Stadium and the in-form hosts were 3-0 up after an hour.

Seydou Doumbia twice disrupted City’s flow with a goal on the stroke of half-time and a 71st-minute penalty but Manuel Pellegrini’s men were not threatened and secured qualification for the first time with two games to spare.

Aguero’s second after 20 minutes was his 13th of the season and Negredo then put City in complete control. He added his second soon after the break and completed his treble in the last minute. After exits at the group stages in each of the past two seasons the result represented the next major step forward in City’s development.

After the meeting between the two clubs in the Russian capital a fortnight ago was soured by racist chanting aimed at Yaya Toure, there was also focus on the crowd.

City fans were quick to burst into a chant of support for Toure and followed by informing their CSKA counterparts, in crude terms, that they regarded them as racists.

Stewards also acted quickly to remove a banner unfurled by City fans which referred to the members of the imprisoned members of the Russian protest band.

Midway through the first half police and stewards also moved in among the CSKA supporters after what may have been a minor disturance and a smoke bomb was later let off.

Robin van Persie missed a penalty and Marouane Fellaini was sent off as Manchester United inched closer to a place in the Champions League knockout stages with a goalless draw against Real Sociedad.

After a dismal first half, Javier Hernandez inexplicably failed to tap home Shinji Kagawa’s low cross from barely six yards.

Van Persie hit a post and also struck the upright from the penalty spot.

When Fellaini was red-carded for the first time in his United career for a second yellow card, the visitors were forced to see out the contest with 10 men.

Gareth Bale scored his first Champions League goal for Real Madrid as they all but sealed their place in the knock-out stages against a spirited Juventus.

The 24-year-old hammered in a low shot to put his side 2-1 up on the hour.

A penalty from Arturo Vidal had given the Italians a first-half lead before Cristiano Ronaldo levelled.

But Fernando Llorentes’ stooping header ensured a precious point for the hosts.