Manchester City matchwinner Raheem Sterling praised Schalke after tonight's stunning 3-2 triumph.

England international Sterling latched on to goalkeeper Ederson's long kick upfield and coolly slotted the decisive goal.

After the Champions League round 16 first-leg win, Sterling stated: "A really tough game, we made it difficult for ourselves at times but we stuck together, even with 10 men.

"For my goal, it was a little nudge in the back of the defender and I took my opportunity and we got the three points - err, a win!

"We have had some difficult patches this season, you can't win every game 3-0 and in the Champions League the opposition can hurt you."