Manchester City have been eliminated from the Europa League, despite a 3-2 win against Sporting Lisbon at the Etihad Stadium.
The victory on the night was not enough to stop the Blues losing on the away goals rule after a 3-3 draw against their Portuguese opponents on aggregate.
After a dull opening, Xandao could have given Sporting the lead when his header flew just wide of the post.
City had their first meaningful opening soon after, but Adam Johnson could only put his controlled volley wide from David Silva's cross.
The visitors scored an important away goal after 32 minutes when Matias Fernandez's free kick edged its way past Joe Hart in the City goal.
Sporting delivered another blow five minutes before the break as Ricky van Wolfswinkel converted Marat Izmailov's cross from close range.
Roberto Mancini's side were noticeably flat for the start of the second half but they got themselves back into the tie on the hour thanks to Sergio Aguero's powerful finish from inside the area.
The home team were given a further lifeline with 15 minutes to play when Aguero was fouled in the area by substitute Renato Neto. Mario Balotelli stroked the ball past the goalkeeper to draw his side level on the night.
As City peppered the Lisbon goal they got their noses in front in the 82nd minute as Aguero pounced at the back post following substitute Edin Dzeko's flick on from a corner.
The Blues pushed hard for the goal that would have taken them through, and they nearly found it in the final seconds of injury time when goalkeeper Joe Hart's header from Nigel de Jong's cross was tipped away by his opposite number.
However, Sporting were able to hang on and progress by the narrowest of margins.
Jack Prescott
