Dzeko 48', Yaya Toure 53', Aguero 58'
Delight at the Doosan as Manuel's minions make first ever winning start to Champions League campaign.
The blues, sporting their lavishly luscious new third kit, began the half in the sluggish Skoda style of the motor that has made the quiet little city so recognisable.
Professor Pellegrini's pupils enjoyed a wealth of possession early on but looked vulnerable and lethargic whenever the home side unleashed a quirky counter-attack. The return of Vincent Kompany combined with a weeks worth of Pilsner Urquell undeniably settled the 800 away fans, but the Belgian almost gifted Plzen the opener with a hospital ball back to Joe Hart.
Vincent Kompany made a return as captain last night.
City were expected to be the big fish in the tiny Plzen pond, but the Czech minnows appeared unafraid and buoyant as they began to enjoy their football. The blues could have gone into the break three goals to the good, but chances squandered by Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Jesus Navas ensured Manuel Pellegrini would be raising his calm voice at half time.
Wise words were indubitably spoken at the break as the South American's students flew out of the blocks like a feral Ferrari. Sergio Aguero showed great strength to hold off Lukas Hejda and squared a precise ball into Edin Dzeko on 48 minutes to slot home the opener.
An injection of pace had been administered into the away side. Fernandinho quietly controlled the midfield and allowed Yaya Toure to press into the attacking position he so suavely thrives in. On 53 minutes the giant Ivorian curved a wicked strike into the top right hand corner of Kozacik's net; an early contender for goal of the tournament.
Yaya Toure lines up his 25-yard wonder strike to put his side 2-0 up
The floodgates had opened and man of the match Sergio Aguero was not going to miss out on the goalscoring action. Just five minutes the later, the Argentine swiveled to plant a fine left footed finish into the bottom corner.
City's destructive side was showing and a solid statement was sent out to the European elite shrugging a leisurely shoulder at the prospect of Manchester City troubling them in later rounds.
It was paradise in Plzen for Pellegrini and co. and an encouraging warm-up for Sunday's Manchester derby.
David Silva is in contention for a starting place and with the wizard and our Belgian rock back in the side, the omens look good for another derby thrashing.
The blues are back.
Player Ratings
Joe Hart 7Showed brilliant agility and awareness to save Kompany's blushes and looked confident all night.
Pablo Zabaleta 6.5Excellent block from Kovarik's shot although he knew nothing about it. Still looks a little uncomfortable playing behind Navas though.
Matija Nastasic 7A comfortable performance aided by the return of his favourite defensive partner.
Vincent Kompany 8You can never understimate the captains influence and it's no surprise that we recorded another clean sheet with him in the team yesterday. One hospital ball could have ruined his night but overall, a commanding performance from the Belgian.
Aleksandar Kolarov 6An early booking left the Serbian treading egg shells all game. Nearly scored with a follow up but faded out the game whilst trying to avoid a second yellow.
Jesus Navas 6.5Was an early bright spark for City but quietened as the game progressed. Still too narrow in my opinion and needs to hug the touchline more.
Fernandinho 6.5Struggled in the first half but controlled in the second. Himself and Yaya still need to adapt to each other's styles.
Yaya Toure 8A dominant performance in a game where his powerful presence was crucial. Scored an absolute worldie.
Samir Nasri 7.5Led City's creative play with confidence and the class we all know he has was on show. More of the same, please!
Sergio Aguero 8Magical performance from the South American who could have bagged a hat-trick.
Edin Dzeko 6.5Scored, but missed a wonderful chance in the first half from a Kolarov cross.
