Source: PA
Super Mario sends City through
Mario Balotelli scored a brace to help Manchester City claim a place in the next stage of the Europa League with a 3-0 win over Salzburg.
And they emphasised their credentials in the process as the double was completed against the Austrian champions, meaning City qualified for the last 32 in February with a game to spare.
Former Inter Milan striker Balotelli, who arrived in the summer for £24million, scored either side of half-time with Adam Johnson also finding the target.
City's pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Balotelli swept home a fine volley from inside the area following a cross from Pablo Zabaleta.
The youngster scored his second goal from close range following a ball from Patrick Vieira after Johnson had won possession, and he almost completed his hat-trick a minute later but his effort found the side netting.
City made it 3-0 seven minutes later following a fine individual effort from Johnson, who skipped past three dispirited Salzburg players before finding the corner with his shot.
