"The team have the quality to make these kind of things (happen). We are very happy that we won this game. I think it was difficult. It is not easy playing with 10 guys in the pitch against 11.

"Now we have to be focused on the next game and the next one, always keep improving and win these kind of games."

City found the going unexpectedly tough against a side sitting 14th in the Bundesliga despite dominating early on and taking an 18th-minute lead through Sergio Aguero.

Schalke controversially drew level with the first of two penalties in the space of seven minutes late in the first half, awarded after a lengthy stoppage for a VAR review.

The referee initially gave a corner after the ball deflected off Nicolas Otamendi but Schalke's claims of handball were eventually backed up by the VAR after a confusing delay of more than three minutes.

There was no clarity on whether Otamendi had handled deliberately and, adding to the farce, the referee could not review the incident himself as the pitchside monitor was broken.

Nabil Bentaleb scored from the spot, and did so again after a foul by Fernandinho moments later. City's night took a turn for the worse after Otamendi – harshly booked over the penalty incident – was sent off for a second yellow card.

A stunning free-kick from Sane against his former club rescued the situation and Sterling grabbed the winner in the last minute.

City manager Pep Guardiola later played down the VAR rumpus and Laporte was also measured in his response.

He said: "I think it is difficult for the referees. It was bad for us but maybe some day it will be good for us.

"I think (Otamendi) had the hand close to the chest. I don't know but I think the referee can say it is a penalty. I hope in the next game it is going to be better for us with the VAR."

City now move on to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday hoping to win the first part of what could be a quadruple trophy haul.

City thrashed the London outfit 6-0 when they met at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month but midfielder Bernardo Silva says that counts for little now.

He said: "It is a very difficult game, despite the last result, against one of the best sides in the world.

"We are not expecting an easy game and of course we want to win the first trophy of the season."

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