Source: PA
Super Mario secures advantage for City
Mario Balotelli made a dream debut for Manchester City with the winning goal as Roberto Mancini`s side claimed a 1-0 victory over FC Timisoara in the Europa League play-off first leg.
The former Inter Milan striker stepped off the bench to stun Timisoara and hand City the advantage going into the return game next Thursday at Eastlands.
Balotelli, 20, proved to be a handful and has already repaid the first part of his reported £24million transfer fee.
After a slow start on a humid night, England's biggest spenders were good value for the victory thanks to a positive second half performance.
Their goal arrived with 18 minutes remaining as Balotelli showed a cool head to sweep the ball home from close range after being set up by Emmanuel Adebayor.
It was just the boost City were looking for with the second leg to come next Thursday at Eastlands and they are now favourites to progress to the group stages.
