Kelechi Iheanacho’s brace yielded no point for Manchester City as they lost 4-2 away at Southampton.
Sadio Mane bagged an incredible hat-trick in a vibrant display of attacking football from Southampton that swept aside Manchester City 4-2 and left the visitors facing a scramble to secure Champions League qualification.
The defeat, just three days before their semi-final second leg against Real Madrid, was never in doubt from the moment Shane Long capitalised on a Dusan Tadic assist in the 25th-minute.
The Serb also set up two of the goals for Senegalese striker Mane who pounced after 28, 57 and 68 minutes to complete his second hat-trick of a prolific season which has yielded 14 goals.
Although City replied with a brace from Iheanacho in the 44th and 78th minutes, Saints never let their grip slip on a victory which kept them in the hunt for a Europa League place.
Fourth-placed City lead Manchester United by just four points and their neighbours have a game in hand.
The defeat three days before their semi-final second leg against Real Madrid left City manager Manuel Pellegini admitting he felt very frustrated.
“I didn’t expect that performance, especially in defence,” he said.
“The best way to prepare is to win but we couldn’t do it.”
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman was delighted after his team had climbed to seventh in the table, two points behind West Ham United.
“We fight for Europe and that’s what we like,” he said. “Two games to go and we’re still fighting for something.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate