Shay the City hero

Shay Given became the hero for Manchester City as their night against Aalborg turned from a great occasion to a nail biting climax. City went in at half time with a scoreless draw having already secured a 2-0 win at home. Aalborg came out with a point to prove, but City had chances to secure the win when the magnificent Stephen Ireland cut a ball back only for Robhino to crack the top of the crossbar.

With minutes remaining Aalborg scored and shook the City faithful. Then they were awarded a penalty to push the game into extra-time. Shay Given had been fantastic but he could not stop the penalty. With the scores blank in extra time penalties resulted.

Shay Given proved his worth and saved 2 penalties to seal the tie for City but only after some great spot kick. City skipper and Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne took the captains role and scored the 4^th and decisive penalty. The result left Aalborg in tatters, but if City are to progress they must play a lot better and hope that Given stays injury free.

UEFA CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Hamburg v Manchester City

Paris St Germain v Dynamo Kiev

Shakhtar Donetsk v Marseille

Werder Bremen v Udinese

The first legs will be played on 9 April with the returns on 16 April.

UEFA CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW

Werder Bremen/Udinese v Hamburg/Manchester City

Paris St Germain/Dynamo Kiev v Shakhtar Donetsk/Marseille

The first legs will be played on April 30 with the returns on May 7.

Shay the City hero

Last updated : 20 March 2009 By Paul Jennings