The stakes were high for Manchester City with the potential for more embarrassment in Europe, but a 2 - 0 win in Rome tonight means the club have reached the knockout stages for a second consecutive year.

Football writer James Horncastle joined us on the line tonight and he felt City deserved it in the end.

"They grew into the game and stood up to be counted. They were deserving winners," said Horncastle, acknowledging a shaky start and a lack of cutting edge before Samir Nasri's opener. 

"I think they played with a bit more freedom from then on. They weren't just looking to hold on to what they had."

Horncastle also believes a reinvigorated City will not be a welcome opponent in the last-16.

"I do believe that these last couple of games could have a transformative effect on the players and give them confidence in Europe and that things can go their way. This may change everything in that respect," he said.