Manchester City and Liverpool both enjoyed comfortable wins in their respective Europa League group games on Thursday night.
Results:
Red Bull Salzburg 0-2 Manchester City
Liverpool 4-1 Steaua Bucharest
David Silva and Jo were both on target as Manchester City overcame Red Bull Salzburg in Austria in an early evening kick-off.
Spanish international Silva netted his first goal for Manchester City after eight minutes, side footing to the net after a lay-off from Jo.
The Brazilian striker found the net himself and made the points safe in the 63rd minute, following up a Carlos Tevez effort that was saved by Salzburg ‘keeper Gerhard Tremmel and tapping home from close range.
Joe Cole scored his first Liverpool goal as the Reds easily disposed of Romanian side Steaua Bucharest at Anfield. Cole was on the mark after less than 30 seconds, capitalising on a poor back pass Octavian Abrudan and slotting it past Tatarusanu in the Bucharest goal.
The visitors were level by the 13th minute, however, after Cristian Tanase beat Pepe Reina with a lovely chipped finish.
The sides were level at half-time but David Ngog restored Liverpool’s lead after 56 minutes, slotting home from the penalty spot after Sotirios Kyrgiakos was fouled.
Lucas made it three with less than ten minutes left on the clock with a powerful drive from outside the area and Ngog rounded off the night with his second goal and Liverpool’s fourth in stoppage time.
