Man City knocked out of UEFA Youth League after Hajduk Split defeat

Manchester City EDS have been knocked out of the UEFA Youth League in the round of 16 following a 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split.

City were also up against a 10,000-strong crowd in Croatia and found themselves two goals behind before the break after Roko Brajkovic and Mate Antunovic put the hosts in charge. Oscar Bobb halved the arrears before the interval but the Blues were unable to draw level.

City tried valiantly to equalise but the Hajduk defence held strong to knock Brian Barry-Murphy's team out of the competition at the first knockout phase, with Finley Burns personifing City's frustrating afternoon when he was sent off for a second bookable offence late on.

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Barry-Murphy's side started the brighter with Dire Mebude nearly testing the 'keeper inside the opening minute. The Blues dominated the early stages but were behind inside 25 minutes. George Murray Jones in the City goal came out to clear a through ball only to find Brajkovic on the edge of the box, and he fired the ball in.

With the home fans buoyed, Hajduk extended their lead when Antunovic's shot went in at the near post to give City's youngsters an uphill battle.

On the stroke of half time, the Blues had a much-needed response. Carlos Borges' pace proved too much for the Croatians and his cutback found Bobb who fired home to set up an intriguing second 45.

Shea Charles, Will Dickson and Bobb all had moments to equalise but luck was not on City's side. Six minutes from time, Burns was sent off for receiving his second yellow card which killed the Blues' momentum as they exited the prestigious competition.

Focus now switches to the Premier League 2 which City sit top of by two points.

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