It was the Blues’ biggest-ever European away win as Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick which was added to by Nolito and David Silva.
For Pep Guardiola, it was an “amazing” result but he immediately turned his attentions to Stoke City on Saturday.
“We are almost in the Champions League which was our target from the beginning,” Pep reflected.
“It was a great performance and great attitude from the players. We played really, really good, the result is amazing but it’s the way we played which means I’m so satisfied. It’s a big compliment for these fantastic players.
“All of the managers in the world want to create chances and to concede few, that’s what we all want – OK, we are there, so now rest and then focus on Stoke and the second game.”
Raheem Sterling once again caught the eye on the right wing as he showcased his dazzling wing play all evening long, winning a penalty and creating two goals for teammates.
The England international drew praise from his manager but the Catalan warned that the youngster must stay focused if he’s to keep up his sublime form.
“Until now, Raheem is playing really good but he’s only 20-years old so he has to learn a lot,” Guardiola explained.
“The best advice is to keep calm and focus on his training, his body and his personal life. Then when that happens he has a lot of quality – he’s fast and has good work ethic.
“He can go byline or inside. When he comes inside to play he has the quality to link up with his teammates. He’s a fantastic players and that’s why I think Txiki and the club were so clever last summer to buy him.
“All of the players are important, so a lot of players like Fabian and Jesus, they are going to help us. I know for the players who don’t play it’s tough but we’re going to use them.
“We have to create a good team spirit and we saw it today and against Sunderland. That is the first step to create something for our people to be proud of.”
Finally, Pep praised the hat-trick hero Aguero who shrugged off two penalty misses to secure the matchball.
He added: “Penalties are penalties. He has the personality to hit it and it’s important he was not down, he was focused on the game and after he scored three goals.”
