Bayern Munich 2 - 3 Manchester City: Milner seals sensational comeback for City

James Milner scored a 61st minute winner on Tuesday night to dirty the shimmering sheets of Bayern Munich's 100% Champions League Group D record. City became the first team in history to wrestle their way back from a 2-0 deficit at the Allianz Arena in a performance that will deluge the dressing room with confidence ahead of Saturday's tie with Arsenal.

Manuel Pellegrini welcomed Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott into a new look defence that trembled before a brilliant Bayern side early on. Despite already sealing their progression into the last 16 of the competition, Pep Guardiola fielded a muscular outfit that included Mario Götze, Thomas Müller, Philipp Lahm, Thiago Alcântara and FIFA Ballon d'Or nominee Franck Ribéry.

A mismatch in class showed almost immediately and the home side deservedly took the lead after just five minutes. After a lengthy spell of possession, Brazilian centre-half Dante switched a precise ball into Thomas Müller who cooly finished past a helpless Joe Hart. The challenge from captain Aleksandar Kolarov was non-existent and an impossible uphill trudge awaited the blues.

City's conduct on the road this season has been characterised by defensive lapses and moments of madness; the defensive partnership of Martin Demichelis and Joleon Lescott were doing their best to preserve those stereotypes. Just six minutes later, Fernandinho lost Mario Götze in the box who tapped home to give the Champions League holders a comfortable two-goal lead. The masters were administering a cruel lesson to their apprentices who began to wave hopes of a successful Champions League campaign goodbye.

Things went from bad to worse after a quarter of an hour when Micah Richards was forced off with a hamstring injury. Pablo Zabaleta came on for the Englishman who has seen his career take a sinister turn in the last few years at the hands of his demonic fitness troubles. The influence of Guardiola on his new side became even more fluorescent as the Germans teased and tantalised their visitors with some exceptional one touch football.

Against all odds, the half ended positively for the blues who developed an uncanny appetite for the ball on the 25 minute mark. James Milner and Fernandinho unleashed fierce efforts towards Manuel Neuer's goal before David Silva tapped in from close range to decrease the two goal deficit. Some excellent wing play from Jesús Navas allowed Milner to head back into the path of Silva who grabbed City an encouraging away goal. Surprisingly, the blues were on top, and they sensed more goals.

Manchester City began the second half as they ended the first and shocked the home side with their resilience. Possession was still being controlled by the Germans, but the blues were very much in the game and attacked Bayern with the belief that they could go on and win the game. On 57 minutes, Dante illegally halted a burst from James Milner into the box and a penalty was rightfully awarded. Up stepped Aleksandar Kolarov who powerfully slotted past Neuer.

The unthinkable had happened and Manuel Pellegrini's minions were marching into the ascendancy. The solidity of Lescott and Demichelis kept the hands of Joe Hart cold and Franck Ribéry had disappeared into the back pocket of Pablo Zabaleta. With Manchester City now controlling the play, Jesus Navas made another blistering run down the right hand side to feed in a dangerous ball to James Milner who curled a wicked finish past Manuel Neuer. Jaws lowered as the 2012/2013 Champions capitulated at the hands of a side plagued by away day troubles this year. Up in the corner, however, a delirious travelling City squadron sang up to a blue Munich moon.

As the final whistle sounded, an exhausted City side punched their fists into the air. Second in Group D they may have finished, but inflicting misery in Munich is often a tormenting task.

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 7 - Will have been disappointed to concede two early goals but could only blame his defence for the woeful start. Made a couple of good saves.

Micah Richards 5 - Things just wont go right for the England full back who limped off after 15 minutes with a hamstring injury.

Martin Demichelis 7 - Started the game horrifically and looked unable to cope with the pace of Ribéry but stepped up as the game progressed and marshalled his side to a terrific victory.

Joleon Lescott 7 - Looked nervous and unable to cope with the acidic atmosphere of the Allianz early on but looked unbeatable in the second half.

Aleksandar Kolarov 7 - Lost Müller for the opener but steadied himself and scored a penalty in the second half.

Javi García 7 - Another who was unsteady in the first half but he helped City to control the game in the second.

Fernandinho 7 - Showed a bite to his performance as he tussled with Bayern's midfield and wrestled for possession of the ball.

Jesús Navas 8 - A great performance from the winger who troubled Alaba all evening. His pace and improving delivery made for two of City's three goals.

David Silva 7 - Added class and composure to City's midfield and he marked his return with a goal.

James Milner 8 - His performance will have given Manuel Pellegrini some selection issues for Saturday. Bombed up and down the flank with purpose, winning a penalty for his side and curling in a fine winner.

Edin Džeko 7 - Held the ball up well and ensured that Bayern's defence continued to make mistakes.

Substitutes

Pablo Zabaleta 8 - Had Ribéry in his back pocket all game and helped City to their comeback.

Álvaro Negredo 7 - Nearly snatched a fourth after out-muscling Dante.

Jack Rodwell - No time to mark