Two goals in the opening 11 minutes gave Manuel Pellegrini’s
side the perfect platform to see out a vital 3-1 victory in Sevilla, with strikes from Raheem Sterling, Fernando and Wilfried Bony put them to the top of Group D,
qualifying for the next stage with two games to spare.
While progressing from the group stage has been a major
hurdle for City in the past, last season they made it through only to face
Barcelona in the first knock-out stage and duly made a swift exit.
With that in mind, Kompany is keen for them to build on
their progress so far and top the group in the hope of an easier draw.
"The first feeling is 'Finally'," he said on BT
Sport 2 as City could enjoy a truly special performance in Europe.
"It's a difficult group and for us to qualify with two
games to go is an incredible achievement.
"We need to go on. It would be a first for us to finish
first in our group and that's important because we have been unlucky in the
draws before."
They are now one point ahead of group rivals Juventus, who drew at Borussia Monchengladbach in
the other Group D contest.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini
changed his team's shape by leaving out De Bruyne in order to feature Fernando,
Fernandinho and Toure together in midfield, and enjoyed the results after
revealing he had not been impressed with some of City's recent displays.
Pellegrini said: "I'm happy with the way we played, we
scored three goals, missed three of four clear chances to score and we defended
well.
"I was not happy with the way we were playing in the
previous games, so I'm happy with our form in this game.
"The three midfielders - Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Fernando - played
well, pressed higher and our attack was really prepared. We played with one
touch and moved into space, that was the reason we created so many
chances."
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