Champions League reaction

1. Aguero scores hat-trick in amazing game
2. FT: Schalke 0-5 Chelsea
3. Win sends Chelsea through
4. Three-goal Messi breaks CL scoring record

That's all from us for the night - stay on the football pages for further reaction through the night.

See you tomorrow night.

What's better than winning the Europa League? Not entering it at all.

"You can imagine that this team would go into the Europa League and win but that is not what we want," said Jose Mourinho tonight. He doesn't have to worry about that now - his side are into the last 16 of the Champions League.

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Dan, London: I'm probably a little merry but that is one of the best Chelsea performances I have seen since Mourinho's first stint. Oscar will be remembered as a Chelsea legend - though everyone was superb. Speechless.

Charles: Mourinho's little horse has come of age.

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Sergio Aguero

Manager reaction

AP

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, speaking to ITV: "I think all the big teams need big players, Sergio Aguero is a big player and very important. The whole team played until the end, we conceded two unbelievable goals but our whole team kept working and concentrating until the end."

Did you ever stop believing? "No, no. Never."

Can City qualify? "There are a lot of different options. We are always feeling positive but it does not always depend on what we can do. We must try to have our chance to the end and the way to have that chance is to win at Roma."

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Zavair Baakza: I appreciate that all the talk will be about Aguero tonight, but spare a thought for the magnificent Chelsea. Clinical stuff!

Nene Odonkor: Chelsea - still unbeaten.

Tom Chance: Chelsea scoring five away in Europe, and Diego Costa didn't even get one of them!

Manager reaction

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho on his side winning Group G to reach the last 16: "We did it and we did it with one game in advance. It is important for us in December, a difficult month, to have one game against Sporting Lisbon where we don't need to win or need the points."

Player reaction

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Chelsea skipper John Terry on Sky Sports: "It was a great performance. We needed to put ourselves through as top of the group and with a busy schedule that is important because it gives the manager the chance to rest a few against Sporting Lisbon if he wants to.

"The early goal killed Schalke off and when the third went in that was that. The forward play is excellent and we're looking dangerous every time we go forward. But we're all putting a shift in as well and defending well as a team."

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City captain Vincent Kompany: .@OfficialRadja (Roma and Belgium player Radja Nainggolan), prepare for a big night in Rome my friend!

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"City are missing that defensive-minded player in the middle of the park and Vincent Kompany has had different partners. I think they need another centre-half.

"The way they are defending at the minute is not good enough. It's highlighted most weeks they have been defending poorly.

"I think they are miles off it. In a two-legged affair against Bayern Munich in a knock-out there's only one winner."

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City's hat-trick hero Sergio Aguero: Always, always fight 'til the end. C'mon, City!!!

Who's through?

Eight of the last 16 spots in the knockout stages are secured then. Here's the full rundown on the sides who have already qualified:

Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich

Paris St-Germain

Barcelona

Chelsea

Porto

Shakhtar Donetsk

Manuel Pellegrini says that Sergio Aguero scored 'three and a half goals' because he also won the penalty. Not sure that really works Manuel...

Manager reaction

Reuters

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho on his team's performance: "The team played a fantastic match. At this moment this team is very mature and very confident.

"To win 5-0 away in the Champions League is not normal. To win 5-0 in Germany is even more not normal. The performance was complete. It was very impressive.

"We have a good team. Obviously we can lose and the bad result is waiting for us. But the reality is the team is playing very well."

Permutations

Our heads are melting here.

But assuming CSKA Moscow lose to Bayern Munich, any Manchester City win at Roma puts City through, and any draw of 1-1 or higher does. But 0-0 or any defeat and they will be out.

Player reaction

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski: "We made two errors in the last few minutes and conceded two goals. That's a pity, because we showed a very good performance with 10 men. But we didn't get the reward. Maybe we haven't been concentrating enough in the last seconds."

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Callum, Manchester: Cliched I know, but that is the kind of result which can turn around a season. Watch City now claw back the gap between them and Chelsea.

Simon, Swansea: I agree Aguero has been the best striker in the Premier since he arrived but Alex from Cardiff, Suarez scored away from home versus Arsenal, United, Spurs, Chelsea and Everton....Flat Track Bully???

Josh, Taunton: Awesome stuff from City! The grit and determination they displayed against arguably the best team in the world was awesome.

Full-time in the FA Cup

BBC Sport's Chris Osborne at Aspect Arena

"Maybe not the right result for those looking for an FA Cup upset, but Mansfield have done just enough in ugly conditions here on Canvey Island. Ollie Palmer's second-half goal is enough to see them through to a second-round tie at Cambridge United. PE teacher Danny Cowley can be proud of his Beach Boys tonight though."

Player reaction

PA

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany: "It was an awkward game. They were incredibly lethal and played well with 10 men but we did what we had to do and defeated a big team today.

"If you want to succeed at anything you need to a special player in a special form. Sergio Aguero is our special player and when he is in that form he makes things achievable.

"What a game it will be against Roma. We will take a lot of fans and the atmosphere will be incredible."

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"I think it's magnificent for the Premier League. There are so many permutations, but City have done what's asked of them. I think if they go to Roma and win they will go through."

Player reaction

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, who scored a hat-trick: "I am very happy. It is very important for us. The draw was difficult but we are happy now because this is a very important result and the next game we have to win."

"He's our special player!" The words of Vincent Kompany on Sergio Aguero. Few will disagree.

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Suspended Man City midfielder Yaya Toure: Fantastic victory! Proud of all the boys! Come on City!

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

PA

"What an absolutely sensational game. City were out on their feet but now they have put themselves in a position where they can go to Rome and get through.

"That should give them a massive lift. With 10 minutes to go they were out.

"We were negative at times because City were poor and what would they do without Aguero? What can you say?

"Well done Man City and that man Aguero."

You're quite right Lawrence - and they needed two errors from Bayern Munich to claw their way back into the game. But you can't beat that for drama!

Would Manchester City beat Bayern Munich with 11 v 11 for 90 minutes? They will hope that they get the chance to try again later on this season.

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Alan Watford: Aguero must be worth £100m - what a player!

Matt Gray: Man City without Aguero would be like Liverpool without Suarez.

Lawrence Vinicombe: Wow, Man City beat a team who played with 10 men for 70 minutes. A little perspective needed.

A brilliant evening of Champions League football! Manchester City can now qualify with a win in Rome - as long as Bayern Munich don't lose to CSKA Moscow.

FULL-TIME

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AP

Alan Green

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"At 2-1 down it seemed there was no way back. City had no invention, the body language was poor and they looked like a beaten team. But two defensive mistakes from Bayern have led to two City goals. Aguero is simply irreplaceable."

Robbie Savage

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

Getty Images

"Oh, Aguero! He's done it, a hat-trick for the little fella! What a turnaround! What would City do without Aguero? What a brilliant player. This has been a great game."

GOAL

Reuters

EPA

Another Aguerrroooo moment! Sergio Aguero single-handedly drags Manchester City over the line with his third goal of the night. From looking devoid of ideas and clueless to somehow getting back ahead, City have put their fans through the motions once more tonight.

Jerome Boateng is the villain of the piece, taking a poor touch to allow Aguero in and his finish is as calm as you like. What a striker, what a night...

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Alex, Cardiff: Since his arrival Sergio Aguero has been the best striker in the Premier League hands down. Suarez was a flat-track bully who never scored a goal against the top four, RVP didn't have the pace or power to take a game and change it the way he does. Superb player who always turns up, and I'm a Manchester United fan.

FULL-TIME

Stunning performance from Chelsea. The Schalke players are stunned, the Blues have qualified for the last 16.

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Critical Richard: We used to say Arsenal were a one man team, but City have taken that to the whole new level.

Matt Rhodes: Where would they be without Aguero?

Paul Thompson: Aguero is single-handedly keeping Pellegrini in a job right now. Another cool finish!

Messi, Messi, Messi, Messi!

AP

Lionel Messi has scored a hat-trick. Are you watching Cristiano?

What does this mean then? A draw tonight and Manchester City can er, still qualify in Rome. I'll get back to you on the specifics...

Robbie Savage

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"What an opportunity now for City! A fantastic finish on his left foot from Aguero. Great pace from Aguero and he put it past Neuer, in off the far post. A fantastic finish, pinpoint accuracy. City can now go on and grab the winner, against all odds!"

GOAL

Reuters

Or maybe not! Sergio Aguero rescues Manchester City once more, and remarkably it comes from a mistake from Xabi Alonso. His pass is cut out by Stevan Jovetic, who frees Aguero one on one. He is cool as you like, sliding in off the far post...

Bayern Munich send on Xherdan Shaqiri. There are six minutes left of this water torture for City to endure. Prepare yourself for acres of newsprint on the death of the English game...

EPA

Can we get a smile from Jose Mourinho after the game? His side have been superb. His side are superb.

SUBSTITUTION

German captain Bastian Schweinsteiger gets nine minutes in this dead rubber, replacing Franck Ribery. Not a bad replacement.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"City have missed Yaya Toure. They have missed him being calm on the ball and missed his forward runs."

Almost a sixth for Chelsea, who have been irresistible. Eden Hazard walks away from a tired challenge and his cross is narrowly over the head of Andre Schurrle.

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Will Jackson: Look at the positives. English teams are still beating German teams 7-1 tonight.

Scott Kelly: Why are City trying to walk it in? A must win game, 2-1 down and their gameplay must change. A set-piece is their only chance

Andrew Neill: I'd be interested in seeing Chelsea v Bayern Munich. Could make a tantalising final. A few assumed results aside...

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

Getty Images

"Manchester City attempting to press but Bayern Munich have a figure of huge authority in goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Is there any better in world football? Plenty of effort from City but not much in the way of inspiration or quality."

YELLOW CARD

Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer is booked for time wasting. The Germans are 12 minutes away from a win which they don't even need.

Barcelona are coasting to three more group points but they will play the final few minutes against Apoel Nicosia with 10 men as Rafinha is sent off for a second bookable offence. Lionel Messi, officially now the all-time Champions League leading scorer, is hunting his hat-trick having already helped himself to two goals. Apoel still trail 3-0.

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Alan, Manchester: Beware City fans. I can see your rich owners pulling out soon. Poor attendances and poor performances = poor investment. Poor club to pick in the first place.

Eduardo, London: Man City's best player tonight has been a 36-year-old loanee from MLS. Says it all really.

Myles: Why on earth would anyone start Sagna instead of Zabaleta? Madness.

GOAL

EPA

Ramires only came on a few moments ago - and he's already bagged a fifth. Every member of this Chelsea squad is bang up for it at the moment. Schalke are all over the place, a wretched defensive display but Chelsea are in a different gear tonight.

Chelsea v Bayern? Now that would be a game. Ramires gets the fifth when he climbs to meet Didier Drogba's floated cross and heads into the net.

GOAL

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Unselfish stuff from Willian as Didier Drogba is handed a fourth! You can't give Cesc Fabregas that much time and space in the centre circle, he floats a ball onto Willian's chest, clean through, and he squares it for Drogba to tap in.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"You have got to say on tonight's evidence, the best of Germany against the best of England from last year and there is no comparison. If you were looking at it now, you wouldn't know who has 10 men. City have been very poor and are going to have a look at themselves."

FA Cup latest

BBC Sport's Chris Osborne at Aspect Arena

"Mansfield have the lead and one foot in the second round. Robert Taylor's cross finds Ollie Palmer at the back post who slides it in. Concord came back from 1-0 down in the first game - they need to do it again."

Winner faces Cambridge in round two.

GREAT SAVE!

He's had a good game tonight, and Frank Lampard thumps a wonderful hit from 25 yards which forces Manuel Neuer into rare action, beating the ball up and over to safety.

City aren't going to score. I don't think so. They look well short of ideas.

SUBSTITUTION

The 10 men of Bayern Munich are making Manchester City look mediocre at best. Pablo Zabaleta gets a huge ovation as he comes on in place of Bacary Sagna. Can the right-back make any difference?

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"Milner hasn't had his best game but he's a more forward thinking player than Fernando and City need a goal. I think Jovetic will offer something."

Messi magic

Getty Images

Still two goals for Lionel Messi with Barcelona cruising to victory against Apoel. Plenty of time for him to get his hat-trick on a historical night, with 25 minutes left.

SUBSTITUTION

James Milner is replaced by Stevan Jovetic. City have 25 minutes left, with an extra man. Surely it must tell at some point. Surely?

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Ben Edgell: Remember when Nasri and/or Navas played well for Man City? Me neither.

Daniel Woodley: Just in case anyone has forgotten, Bayern Munich are playing with 10 men. Yet still dominating possession. Fabulous team.

Nkumbu S Kandy: Losing to 10 men is bad. Being outplayed by 10 men is worse.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

PA

"If it was me I would get Fernando off and get another forward thinking player on. Fernando has offered nothing."

SUBSTITUTION

No goal for Diego Costa tonight after all - he's off with 25 minutes to go. Here comes Didier Drogba.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

"Nothing much other than sheer frustration so far in this second half for Manchester City and their supporters - with growing impatience in the stands. Bayern Munich may be suffering from a numerical disadvantage but you would struggle to notice."

Reuters

Vincent Kompany and Robert Lewandowski square up after a tussle right by the dugout, Pep Guardiola keeps his cool and steps between the two thoroughbreds. Less of that lads!

City have half an hour remaining.

CLOSE!

What a hit! Branislav Ivanovic with a volley of technical precision, absolutely nails it after Willian's chip to the back post, drilled brilliantly - but a yard too high. Probably less.

Right-backs have no business hitting the ball that well...

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Isaac Wolofar: It's not that Bayern are exceptional, it's just that City in Europe are woeful.

Steve Howes: City certainly know how to spend money and buy players. They would be dangerous if they also employed a coach capable of creating a team...

ApSam: There's a lack of real competition for places in City team. Backups not good enough so starters coast.

Messi, Messi, Messi, Messi...

AP

Lionel Messi scores again...

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"Manuel Pellegrini has got to start looking to Stevan Jovetic now. He's an impact sub who does well when he comes on. Looking at options on the bench there aren't many at all. They have only really got Jovetic as a forward-thinking player."

Bayern have barely attacked since Xabi Alonso wasted a good chance early in the second half. Should City lose tonight, we reckon they would need to win 3-0 in Rome on the final group game and hope that CSKA get beaten by Bayern.

Pie in the sky? Or very much achievable?

How many goals do Chelsea want to score tonight? That appears to be the question. Diego Costa looks hungry for one, on the shoulder of the last defender all the while...

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Gary Lineker

Match of the Day host

Extraordinary that at 27, Messi is the highest ever scorer in the history of Barcelona, the Champions League/European Cup and La Liga...

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"If City get beaten by 10 men at home you have got to say, big questions for Pellegrini. City fans, what does that mean for some of your players and your manager?"

Getty Images

That's better again from Jesus Navas, who looks like the early outball for City in the second half. The Spaniard bursts into space and hits a low shot which Manuel Neuer pushes clear.

Don't think Manuel Pellegrini will get much sympathy Craig...

Jesus Navas has room to manoeuvre for once but his cross is poor. Remember - there is an extra City player out there. There should be space.

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Bluedan: City have played 12 matches in Europe as reigning English champions (2 in 1968, 6 in 2012, 4 so far in 2014), number of wins? Zero! Time to make history boys!

Craig, Blackburn: Just look at the bench for City tonight. Jovetic only real attacking option - injuries and suspensions are making Pellegrini's job mighty tough.

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Manuel Neuer would be good enough to start in midfield for England wouldn't he?

Bayern almost have a third. Franck Ribery picking out Xabi Alonso, who clips a left-footer over the top. Should have done better.

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Adam Gibson: Wonder if Joe Hart has realised that free kick has gone past him yet?

Simon Howard: Hart has become a woefully unreliable keeper. Not to be trusted in big games and a worry for England too...

Richard Morris: Frightening that Hart is probably England's best keeper but is million miles behind Neuer in ability.

CLOSE!

Diego Costa fancies another Chelsea goal for his ever-growing portfolio, great strength to shrug off one man but just as he is about to pull the trigger Felipe Santana makes a goal-saving challenge.

KICK-OFF

We're off!

Manuel Pellegrini takes his seat, what's his gameplan to turn this one back in his favour?

KICK-OFF

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Back under way in Gelsenkirchen.

SUBSTITUTION

Jan Kirchhoff - scorer of one of the most incompetent own goals in history - is replaced at the break by Christian Clemens. You've had a shocker Jan...

Who needs 11 men?

Bayern Munich completed 428 passes in that half to Manchester City's 214 - despite having defender Medhi Benatia dismissed in the 21st minute.

Maybe if we make Bayern lose a man every 10 minutes it would keep things interesting?

Can Nani do a job at left wing-back though? If so, get on a plane back to Old Trafford...

AFP

Paris St-Germain are on course to make it four Champions League group wins out of four after Edinson Cavani put them ahead at home to Ajax in Group F. In doing so Cavani becomes Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer in the Champions League. His 13th goal surpasses Walter Pandiani's 12.

Nani has his fourth goal in five Champions League games since joining Sporting Lisbon, who lead NK Maribor 2-1, on loan from Manchester United.

FA Cup half-time update

BBC Sport's Chris Osborne at Aspect Arena

"The weather is all kinds of miserable here. The football is only marginally better. Non-league Concord Rangers have been the brighter and better team.

"The most notable of a series of chances came when Lewis Taaffe's effort was cleared off the line by Liam Marsden. There are 46 places between the sides, but at the moment nothing separates them."

Manchester City will not be eliminated tonight, win lose or draw. But losing at home to 10 men will be another low point on their European journey.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

Getty Images

"The surge of optimism that swirled around the Etihad disappeared as those two goals just before half-time put Bayern in charge. The players in Manchester City's defensive wall and goalkeeper Joe Hart seemed to be confused by Xabi Alonso's low free-kick and then there was soft defending for Robert Lewandowski's second. In just a few moments, normal Champions League service has been resumed for Manchester City."

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John Pierce: Classic Luther Blisset classic header that. Off his shoulder.

Freddy Harper-Davis: Wow, what a game at the Etihad. Credit to Bayern, showing they are the best in Europe.

Paul Moore: Joe Hart to blame for both goals, but Pellegrini has to go now. We are getting slaughtered by 10 men. Embarrassing.

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Luke: This is Bayern without Muller, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Thiago, Gotze, Badstuber and Alaba!

Lisa: I remember Chelsea playing Barca when they had 10 men. No difference and Bayern are the same. With a man advantage City must win this or their confidence could be irreparable . Can Jose please rest a few players now?

Matt, Wrexham: If City lose after being a goal up and a man up then they deserve to go out!

Tim: Has anyone actually counted to make sure Bayern really have 10 men? I'm suspicious.

Dedication's what you need

"If you wanna be the best, and you wanna beat the rest. Oo-ooh! Dedication's what you need."

Lionel Messi has broken yet another record and has now scored the most goals in the Champions League.

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Lionel Messi - 72 goals, 91 games

Raul - 71 goals, 142 games

Cristiano Ronaldo - 70 goals, 107 games

Ruud van Nistelrooy - 56 goals, 73 games

Thierry Henry, 50 goals, 112 games

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Robbie Savage

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"This could be an embarrassing night for Manchester City and Manuel Pellegrini, losing now to 10 men. But Bayern have still dominated possession. Robert Lewandowski makes a run into the box and jumps higher than Bacary Sagna and Vincent Kompany. Again, it's a straightforward ball into the box and despite two defenders in there it was terrible defending. This could be a bad, bad night for City."

HALF-TIME

PA

More boos at the Etihad. How did City manage to throw that position away?

HALF-TIME

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GOAL

Reuters

Catastrophic from Manchester City. One up over 10 men, they now trail thanks to Robert Lewandowski's goal. He was just too strong for the City defence, rising high to meet a right-wing cross with his shoulder to loop the ball over Joe Hart and in off the post. A bit scruffy, but they all count.

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Liam Stones: Xabi Alonso, you beast! Still got it!

David Ljunggren: Call that a wall? I have a few sticks lying around in my back garden that could have done a better job that City there.

Ricky Lee Everett: City had that moment of lady luck wasted away by a lazy Joe Hart. Shocking way to concede.

GOAL

Getty Images

Extraordinarily bad defending from Schalke! They have looked a mess at corners all night, and after Gary Cahill is pushed to the floor, Jan Kirchhoff beats two of his own team-mates to the ball to head into his own net. Three Schalke players going for one ball, not a Chelsea man in sight. Ridiculous.

Almost three for Chelsea - twice. First, a terrible back-pass by a Schalke player puts Diego Costa clean through, but a heavy touch from the Spain striker forces him wide and the chance goes begging. Then, Oscar hooks goalwards but Schalke keeper Ralf Fahrmann saves.

Robbie Savage

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"Xabi Alonso has hit it all the way along the floor after taking just a couple of strides. The shot went straight round the wall and it trickled in the corner. Joe Hart may throw his arms out and say he couldn't see, but that was poor goalkeeping. It was on his side. Hart's got to do better. It's the keeper's job to put himself in a position where he can see the ball."

GOAL

Reuters

Getty Images

It's all happening! Xabi Alonso levels the game up with a free-kick on the edge of the area. He feints to bend the ball over the wall but instead hits it low and hard, driving past a deceived Joe Hart and into the net.

Who needs 11 men?

BreakingMESSI BREAKS THE RECORD

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Lionel Messi scores his 72nd Champions League goal!

Another record from the remarkable little man. His record-breaker is a clever flick into the net to divert home a shot from Rafinha.

Frank Lampard pings a shot over the top from 25 yards before Samir Nasri annoys Sergio Aguero by triggering an offside flag when his Argentine colleague was clear behind him. City fancy their chances of grabbing a two-goal lead here.

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Opta Joe: Sergio Aguero has scored five times in his last five Champions League games at the Etihad Stadium.

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Because Chelsea have now scored twice, a draw from here on in would be enough to secure qualification this evening. They only look like winning to be honest though.

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"Frank Lampard has been great. He's an inspiration. He created the penalty and is driving his team forward."

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

EPA

"Manchester City sensing their chance now - as does manager Manuel Pellegrini.

"This normally under-stated man moved to the edge his technical area and delivered an urgent fists-clenched gesture to Samir Nasri. There is at last some light at the end of a dark Champions League tunnel for his side."

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Rob Millward: My word, what a goal that is! Chelsea are looking like Barca in their best days - some mesmerising stuff!

Sam Kier: It's still weird seeing Lampard play for another team... still, Chelsea don't seem to be missing him!

Sanj: Easy work. It's about time Chelsea show some class in Europe, otherwise it just looks bad on the rest of the Premier League.

Suarez off the mark

Getty Images

It has taken a while but Luis Suarez finally has his first Barcelona goal. And what a goal. The Uruguay forward turned his man on the edge of the area before firing low past the keeper from an angle. Liverpool fans have seen it all before. Barca lead Apoel Nicosia 1-0 in Cyprus.

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Alan, Chelsea fan: Beating Bayern on penalties, no problem. Go for it Lamps.

Alan, Devon: I was looking forward to the City v Bayern clash but all over after 20 minutes - football so often an anti-climax. Red card, really. The next 60 minutes a waste of everyone's time.

GOAL

Getty Images

AP

Fabregas. Willian. Oscar. WILLIAN!

Lovely stuff. Lovely, lovely goal from Chelsea, incisive passing and direct running, gliding through the Schalke defence with ease before Willian drives past Ralf Fahrmann at his near post. A few Schalke fans are reduced to applause of resigned recognition. Too good.

It's still the Bayern fans who are audible at the Etihad. 'We're not really here!' as they say.

Schalke growing into the game slightly but as with most Chelsea games this season Jose Mourinho's side look very, very comfortable.

SUBSTITUTION

Pep Guardiola rejigs his stars - Dante is on for Sebastian Rode and moves into the back four. Manuel Neuer up to his old tricks, sweeping up 35 yards from goal...

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Andy Donley: That is absolutely massive for Man City - madness from Benatia.

Mohammed Al-Jeraiwi: City's fortunes are turning!

Paul Thompson: Well, well, well. The great escape's on for City?

Group E - As it stands

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Will Manchester City become the first team to take a point from Bayern in the Champions League this season?

Just before that penalty incident City defender Eliaquim Mangala did well to block a stinging shot from Rafinha. How will Bayern reorganise now? Xabi Alonso into a back three?

Robbie Savage

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

PA

"That was the right decision, giving the penalty. A great first-time ball from Frank Lampard and Sergio Aguero got the run on the defence. A definite penalty and the correct decision - well done referee. It was denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Come on, City!

"A great penalty by Aguero. Manuel Neuer went the right way but that was just clipped into the far corner. What an opportunity now for City, with a chance to go to Roma and go through from this group against all the odds."

GOAL

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Reuters

Sergio Aguero nets his 15th goal of the season, calm as you like and firmly struck into the corner. Well taken, well done.

RED CARD

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...and he walks. Last man, red card.

PENALTY to CITY

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Big moment! Route one, hoof over the top and Medhi Benatia brings down Sergio Aguero...

A mass pogo-ing in the away end, German football fans are superb. I won't hear a bad word said about them.

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Leon Henshaw: Bayern play some lovely football.

Dhatweir D Niggie: Man City can't get hold of the ball. Bayern's passing game is just out of this world.

Wogan Jones: Perhaps the working-class fans of Man City just can't afford to go all the games, Alan Green (19:38). Heard of austerity?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

"Manchester City have almost let the home games against Roma and CSKA Moscow pass them by in this Champions League group stage - drawing one game and losing the other - but they have at least started with intensity and urgency here.

"Even the crowd here at the Etihad, which has also seemed subdued on Champions League nights, seems up for this.

"Bayern, though, are already showing the threat and comfort on the ball that coach Pep Guardiola demands."

Chelsea fans enjoying themselves, singing the name of Roberto Di Matteo. He remains a hero at the Bridge - but they wouldn't swap him for Jose Mourinho. I don't think they'd swap anyone for Jose...

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Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"If you look at Xabi Alonso and the way he passes the ball, for all the money City have spent over the years I can't remember a player who dictates the play in that kind of way."

AFP

This is the scene that greeted Barcelona's players in Cyprus ahead of their match with Apoel Nicosia. Lionel Messi, who needs one goal to become the all-time leading scorer in Champions League history, was put clean through in the third minute but the Barca forward's effort was well saved by keeper Urko Pardo.

Elsewhere, Carlos Mane has put Sporting Lisbon ahead at home to the champions of Slovenia, NK Maribor, in Chelsea's group.

BBC

Possession is not all it's cracked up to be, right?

Bayern Munich have only conceded four goals all season and are looking ominously strong. No Yaya Toure and No David Silva for City tonight. But still a chance.

HITS THE WOODWORK

As soon as I say that, Schalke almost score! Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting takes aim from 25 yards, the ball takes a huge deflection off Gary Cahill's ankle, goes into the ground and then lobs over the head of Thibaut Courtois, before smacking away off the face of the crossbar.

Great name, great effort.

Chelsea battering Schalke at the minute, they've had 73% of the ball and look like hurting the Germans with each and every attack.

Getty Images

GREAT SAVE!

Empics

There we go, Bayern keep the ball for 25 passes or so and cut through. Arjen Robben loops the ball over the top, there is hesitation in the City backline and Sebastian Rode gambles to get there first, his low shot well stopped by the legs of Joe Hart.

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Jared Maobe: What a start by Chelsea in Germany! Delighted.

William Jameson: This Chelsea team picks itself every single match. Reminds me of Mourinho's first year in charge, 2004-05...

Gary Wilkinson: Wow, Chelsea winning 1-0 already. What have you got, Man City?

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

"You can see whoever comes into this Bayern team it's like a machine. It's like clockwork. Whoever comes in knows exactly what they are doing."

EPA

An unfamiliar face in the Bayern midfield, Sebastian Rode, gets beyond the last man for the first time but his touch is poor and the ball runs away from him. High tempo start which will suit Manchester City. If they get sucked into playing a slow game, Bayern will keep the ball all day.

Gael Clichy eats up the grass to motor downfield, pushing Arjen Robben back as he does so. The best form of defence is attack and all that.

His cross is good too, finding Frank Lampard on a trademark dart to the near post but he can't keep his header down.

CLOSE!

Almost two and from another corner, Branislav Ivanovic evades detection and hooks over the top.

Getty Images

Manchester City start well, keeping the ball nicely and moving it at a slick tempo. The Bayern fans are the only ones making any noise though. They've been enjoying the Christmas markets no doubt. A home from home.

What an opening two minutes from Chelsea. I know we keep saying it, but they look such a formidable outfit this season. No weaknesses, no changes in the team. Just 11 class acts.

GOAL

Getty Images

Getty Images

Another assist for Cesc Fabregas, another Champions League goal for John Terry! Roberto Di Matteo cannot believe it as his former team-mate climbs above two men in blue to head into the top corner.

Sensational start for Chelsea.

CLOSE!

AP

Great start for Chelsea, as Diego Costa stretches the defence to run on to Oscar's fine pass. His shot is low and well saved...

KICK-OFF

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And we are playing at a quiet Etihad.

KICK-OFF

Game on in Germany...

John Terry gets another pennant for his collection as he swaps pleasantries with Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes. His loft is cluttered with them you know. Can't move for them up there. He'll be up there in a fortnight, rooting around looking for the Christmas tree lights.

The players are in the tunnel, referee Pavel Kralovec lines them up. Let's get this night under way!

The Champions League anthem is heartily booed...

Robbie Savage

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

Getty Images

"If you want to be a club recognised around the world then success in the Champions League is a must. If Man City go out of the group stage then there will be big question marks about Pellegrini's future."

Alan Green

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"The owners of City feel very differently about the Champions League than the fans do. City have failed miserably in European football, miserably.

"I was amazed to find out this morning that tickets were still available. I just do not understand that, just as I don't understand the tepid atmosphere here at the Etihad on European nights.

"This season reminds me so much of Roberto Mancini's last in charge, and I think if City exit at these group stages then Pellegrini too will be shown the door."

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Michael Blighe: Sacking Robson was awful, but dumping Chris Hughton was worse in my opinion. We beat Villa 6-0, Sunderland 5-1 and Arsenal 1-0 with him.

Newcastle United sacked Hughton in December 2010 and put reserve team boss and ex-Magpies striker Peter Beardsley in charge of first team affairs.

Empics

From Concord to Chelsea. We are under 10 minutes away from kick-off. All set?

Magic of the FA Cup

BBC Sport's Chris Osborne at Aspect Arena

BBC

Ladies and gentleman. I present to you the magic of the FA Cup from the Concord Rangers press box.

Tonight is the final FA Cup first round replay - the winner faces Cambridge.

We can all be as confused as we like, as long as Manuel Pellegrini knows what his side need to do to stay in the competition. He's got a good track record at that...

Getty Images

Pep Guardiola has won nine of the 11 meetings between himself and Manuel Pellegrini...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Prateek Singh: Jose Mourinho getting sacked at Chelsea the first time he was in charge...

Mourinho stunned the world of football by leaving Stamford Bridge by mutual consent in September 2007. So not quite a sacking, Prateek.

"I want to thank all Chelsea FC supporters for what I believe is a never-ending love story," Jose said at the time.

Empics

Roberto Di Matteo has just had a cordial stop-and-chat with members of the Chelsea backroom staff. That guy who was 'interpreter' for Claudio Ranieri is still there. The great survivor of Stamford Bridge...

Savage's shopping list

Robbie Savage

BBC Radio 5 live

Robbie Savage looks at which players might be safe at the Etihad Stadium if Samir Nasri's predictions of changes should City fail to advance in the Champions League come to pass.

"You've got to say the spine of the team - Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and David Silva.

"There are five players there who are top drawer.

"After that, Edin Dzeko has done well when he has started games but Eli Mangala is not proven yet and there are a lot of players who haven't produced."

Last-chance saloon

PA

"We need to do something or otherwise next year it's going to be new players and new everything."

Samir Nasri knows that failure is not an option in Europe for Manchester City, with the midfielder predicting a big clearout if their poor displays on the continent continue.

"Let's be honest, with the salary of every player and the level of those players, 90% of the team are world class, then not to qualify from the first round of the Champions League would be a huge blow for the club - and for us as well," Nasri told national newspaper reporters.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan and the Abu Dhabi ruling family have spent £750m on players alone since their August 2008 takeover. Ouch...

BBC Radio 5 live

Commentator Alan Green and former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage will be talking you through every pass, shot and tackle at Etihad Stadium.

The pair are providing live audio commentary as Manchester City aim to keep their European dream alive against German powerhouses Bayern Munich. And the 5 live team will also have updates from the FA Cup tie between Concord Rangers and Mansfield.

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Josh Venables: Although Pochettino did an equally fine job, Nigel Adkins from Southampton was one of the harshest sackings in my book.

Southampton sacked Adkins in January 2013 - he had taken the Saints from League One to the Premier League with successive promotions.

"For the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed," Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese said in a statement.

Empics

Follows the runners and riders in the race for a place in the last 16 in the Champions League via BBC Sport's Champions League tracker.

Jimmy Smallwood

The full rundown

Still confused about what that late equaliser for CSKA Moscow means? Join the club.

However, from the horse's mouth itself, Uefa has spelled it out for me/you.

• Bayern had won the group before today.

• Roma's hopes were hit by a late CSKA equaliser but a win against City on 10 December at Stadio Olimpico would definitely take them through.

• CSKA were heading out until they scored against Roma. However, they trail Roma on head-to-head so still need a result at Bayern in two weeks.

• City can afford to lose today but unless they win they will definitely need three points in Rome.

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Man City's absent central midfielder Yaya Toure: Good luck to all my teammates tonight. Sorry I won't be on the field. But I will be cheering the team on! Come on City!

Robbie Savage

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"Man City's performances in Europe have been awful. They should have aimed to win all their games, rather than looking for a draw like they did against Roma."

It may only be two-and-a-half years since Chelsea won the Champions League under Roberto Di Matteo - but their team has undergone major surgery.

Of the 11 who started in Munich that night, only Gary Cahill remains a first-team regular. All-change at the Bridge.

BBC

Here's the side selected by Di Matteo in May 2012.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Alex Goncalves: Harshest sacking has to be Redknapp at Tottenham. Led them to fourth - a miracle for Spurs.

Tom Thrall: Redknapp at Spurs. Our aim is to finish in top four, which is what he did. It wasn't his fault that Chelsea won the Champions League.

Tottenham sacked Harry Redknapp in June 2012 after almost four years in charge. "I am sad to be leaving," 'Arry said at the time.

Empics

Alan Green

at Etihad Stadium for 5 live Sport

"That CSKA equaliser was critical for City. A win tonight and a draw in Rome could be enough. So tonight, they don't have to win this game. And that's vital because Bayern, for all their injuries, still have three World Cup winners on their bench."

Chelsea may be cruising through their season but Jose Mourinho is seriously cheesed off. He was as grumpy as you like in his news conference yesterday and he looks livid during his short pre-match chat this evening.

One-word answers, sulky looks. He also says Schalke are a defensive team who will sit back and frustrate his side. Cheer up man!

BBC Radio 5 live

Steve Mingle, author of From Balti Pies to the Biggest Prize: The Transformation of Manchester City, on 5 live Breakfast: "City will be thinking of this game as an absolute must-win. But the form this season in the Champions League has been dreadful. We've also dropped off in the league, but the performances in Europe have simply not been acceptable.

"There's a sense of nervousness about the players, and maybe that comes from within the club because for the owners the biggest prize is the Champions League. Or maybe it's because the atmosphere at Champions League games typically does not have the same intensity as a normal Premier League game.

"Plus, the big guys have not stood up and made a difference in games. Pellegrini has tried to keep with two up front and that's made us vulnerable to counter-attacks. We've been tactically naive. But, actually, I feel strangely optimistic about tonight...!"

Who needs what?

Reuters

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea will be through with a win or any draw in which they score two goals or more. 2-2 for instance. Or 3-3.

Roberto Di Matteo's Schalke will go top with a victory but cannot go through or be eliminated for now.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

"Not too many Manchester City fans in at The Etihad as yet but the cheer that went out from a few was an alert to the news of that late, late equaliser for CSKA Moscow against Roma. Means that no matter what happens here tonight Manchester City will not quite be out of Champions League contention."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jarleth Eaton: CSKA Moscow keep City alive with the last kick of the game!

Michael Lee: I still think City will get through their group - CSKA will lose against Bayern. I reckon City will win tonight as well.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Norman Rides: Unluckiest sacking? Must be Bobby Robson at Newcastle...

Sir Bobby was sacked in August 2004 after a run of poor results. He was due to leave the Magpies at the end of the 2004-05 season anyway, as the club were not planning to renew his contract. It turned out to be Robson's last managerial job.

"I am massively disappointed not to be able to finish the job I came here to do," he said at the time.

Empics

Team news

Jose Mourinho, as he promised, names a strong Chelsea side as the Blues look to book their spot in the last-16 with a win. The self-proclaimed 'Special One' fields an unchanged XI from Saturday's 2-0 win against West Brom.

Chelsea XI: Courtois, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Fabregas, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa.

Schalke XI: Fahrmann, Uchida, Howedes, Felipe Santana, Aogo, Kirchhoff, Neustadter, Boateng, Hoger, Choupo-Moting, Huntelaar.

BBC Sport's Alistair Bruce-Ball in Gelsenkirchen

@alibruceball/twitter

"Snuck in early to get peek at very impressive Veltins Arena. Schalke v Chelsea 19:45, updates on BBC Radio 5 live."

Moscow mercy mission

Good news for Manchester City and their supporters!

A last-minute goal from Vasili Berezutski has earned CSKA Moscow a 1-1 draw with Roma. The significance of that is that City will now NOT be eliminated tonight.

Even another defeat, and City can get through with a win against Roma. Possibly.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich: They've won in Moscow and in Rome, but can Bayern do it on a cold Tuesday night in Manchester?

No revenge?

PA

Roberto Di Matteo was sacked by Chelsea just six months after winning the Champions League, but as you'd expect from any man in football who receives a large enough compensatory package, he's not bitter.

"I spent many years there, but this is no time for sentimentalities, I want to beat Chelsea," he said.

"Tomorrow we will focus on our work, nothing else. I have no thoughts of revenge."

Di Matteo took charge of Schalke last month and has a 100% home record. The German side can draw level on points with Group G leaders Chelsea with victory tonight.

"Honestly, I am not thinking about the 2012 final that much. I am a person who looks forward, not backwards, I live in the present even though lots of people keep reminding me of that final," Di Matteo said.

"Chelsea have not lost a competitive game this season and have huge quality in their squad.

"Everything must click for us, we have to have a super day to beat them."

Getty Images

Rockin' Robbie

PA

There was a time when Italians were unspeakably fashionable, the very epitome of cool. Honestly, I know this photo does that notion no justice, but you should see what Eddie Newton and Erland Johnsen looked like.

Roberto Di Matteo won two FA Cups with Chelsea in the 1990s. He could hurt their chances of another big trophy this evening.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Etihad Stadium

"Plenty of attention here being focused on the news coming out Russia, where Roma still lead CSKA Moscow by a single goal, which means Manchester City would have to beat Bayern Munich tonight.

"Never easy at any time and certainly not for a team who have struggled to come to terms with the Champions League on their own ground, drawing with Roma and losing to CSKA Moscow - this run will have to change."

Change the record, Messi

AFP

He's just smashed one record by becoming La Liga's all-time leading goalscorer. Now Lionel Messi, 27, has his sights firmly set on establishing himself as the Champions League's all-time leading scorer.

Barcelona are in Cyprus to face Apoel Nicosia and Messi needs one goal to break the record after drawing level on 71 with former Real Madrid forward Raul.

Messi, pictured scoring against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final, will fancy his chances. Nicosia are bottom of Group F after losing their last three games in Europe.

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

PA

You lead your club to Champions League glory, and six months later you're out on your ear.

Roberto Di Matteo was not given any sentimental treatment at all at Chelsea - but who can claim to be football's unluckiest sacking?

Gary Megson at Wednesday? Lee Clark at Huddersfield? Big Sam at Blackburn?

There are scores more. Fire away, and tell us why they were hard done by.

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

We meet again...

Reuters

In tonight's other Champions League game featuring a Premier League side, Chelsea are a win away from securing a place in the last 16.

However, they must come up against a man who knows what it's like to go all the way. Roberto Di Matteo secured his place in the club's history books when he masterminded their unlikely Champions League triumph in 2012, and now he's back in management with Schalke.

FC Bayern

Bayern: A Bayern fan enjoys a traditional UK chippy before kick-off - none of this for the players though!

Other newspapers/fried dinner options are available

Evergreen Totti

EPA

Champions League games are under way already and Francesco Totti, at the age of 38 years and 59 days, has beaten his own record as the Champions League's oldest goalscorer after firing Roma into a 1-0 lead away to CSKA Moscow with a sublime free-kick.

They are still playing in Moscow but if the score stays the same then group rivals Manchester City must now beat Bayern Munich at the Etihad Stadium to stay in the tournament.

Elsewhere Porto, who have already qualified, lead 2-0 in Belarus against BATE Borisov thanks to goals by Hector Herrera and Jackson Martinez.

Team News

Manchester City make five changes from the side which beat Swansea at the weekend. Yaya Toure and Fernandinho are suspended. Bayern Munich name a strong side, with just Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze missing out from the team which played at the weekend.

City XI: Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Clichy, Fernando, Navas, Lampard, Milner, Nasri, Aguero

Bayern XI: Neuer, Alonso, Benatia, Ribery, Lewandowski, Robben, Rafinha, Boateng, Bernat, Rode, Hojbjerg.

Injuries, suspensions, a tricky draw, a bad Uefa coefficient - there are plenty of reasons why Manchester City have found the going tough in the Champions League.

But failure to get out the group stage for a third time in four years would be hugely disappointing for a club who have invested so lavishly on players such as Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Edin Dzeko.

The maths are relatively simple this evening - a defeat and City are out. A draw will knock them out unless there is a winner in the match between CSKA Moscow and Roma. A win, and it goes to the last night in Rome...

On the edge?

It wasn't supposed to be this way.

PA

Two Premier League titles in three years, an expanding stadium, an FA Cup win, a glitzy new-look training campus and some of the world's best-paid players.

Manchester City have been transformed in the last 10 years; as a club they are almost unrecognisable from the yo-yo side who spent the 1990s bouncing between English football's top two divisions - or worse.

PA

But one major negative in a long list of immense positives has been the club's performance in the Champions League. After years of looking on enviously from across the city, the blue half have been invited at last to European football's top table only to discover that their appetite isn't what it was.

Defeat by Bayern Munich tonight, and the Champions League dream is over for another year. Where did it all go wrong?