Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick as Manchester City boosted their hopes of progressing in the Champions League with a 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich.

It was the Argentine who got the ball rolling at the Etihad Stadium by opening the scoring from the penalty spot after Mehdi Benatia had been sent off for bringing him down.

Despite being a man down, Bayern took control of the game with goals from Xabi Alonso and Robert Lewandowski before the interval.

However, an extended spell of City pressure would be rewarded with two late strikes from Aguero, who ensured that his side remain in contention for a spot in the next round.

Below, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the key talking points on a dramatic evening in Manchester.

Match statistics

MAN CITY
Shots: 10
On target: 5
Possession: 44%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 14

BAYERN
Shots: 7
On target: 4
Possession: 56%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

In truth, Bayern probably deserved a draw for the way they performed after being reduced to 10 men. The visitors defended with a high line, and that tactic seemed to be working until mistakes from Alonso and Jerome Boateng allowed Aguero to have the final say on a thrilling night. On another night Bayern may have held onto the win, but Aguero stepped up when it mattered to decide a match which could have gone either way.

Man City's performance

It was an improved display from City, who looked a different team in midfield as they made life difficult for the likes of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Alonso. The Premier League champions still clearly miss the cutting edge which David Silva adds to their game, but Manuel Pellegrini will be happy to see some of his fringe players make vital contributions. After struggling to create chances in the second half, another defeat looked to be inevitable. However, City always have a chance when Aguero is in this form.

Bayern's performance

Alonso made one mistake, Aguero took advantage. Boateng made another mistake, Aguero capitalised again. Apart from those errors, Pep Guardiola will be happy with how his side performed after being forced to play most of the game with just 10 men. Despite losing Benatia to a red card, the visitors stuck to their defensive task well by persisting with their pressing game. It was working for Bayern, before the aforementioned mistakes allowed Aguero to snatch the points. Heading into the game Bayern already knew they had secured top spot, but Guardiola never wants to see his team lose. He'll be hoping they do not lose any momentum.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Sergio Aguero: Who else? Surprisingly, Aguero was kept relatively quiet after breaking the deadlock from 12 yards. However, matches are won by brilliant players, and the Argentine showed exactly what he is all about by completing his hat-trick with two fine finishes to hand City the points.

Biggest gaffe

Benatia will tell his critics that he had no choice, but his decision to go to ground inside the box was foolish. In his current form, Aguero may well have scored after sprinting clear, but to give the referee no other choice than to hand you a red card was madness from Benatia. Bayern recovered well, but they missed the defender's presence in the second half.

Referee performance

Pavel Kralovec made all the right calls during a high-tempo game. He had to send off Benatia, and he kept the game flowing to ensure it was an entertaining match to watch.

What next?

Man City: Pellegrini's side will be full of confidence when they meet Southampton on Sunday afternoon.

Bayern: The German champions visit Hertha Berlin on Saturday as they look to recover from a rare defeat.