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Pep Guardiola vowed to keep Sergio Aguero as Manchester City ’s penalty-taker – despite him failing twice from the spot here, writes David McDonnell in Bucharest .

Striker Aguero endured a crazy night as dazzling City booked their place in the Champions League group phase, the star striker scoring a hat-trick while also fluffing two spot-kicks.

David Silva and summer signing Nolito scored the other goals as the Blues turned on the style to demolish Steaua in the away leg of this qualifying play-off , but Guardiola refused to admonish Aguero for his penalty blunders.

Asked if Aguero - who has now missed four of his last five spot-kicks in Europe – would remain City’s penalty-taker, Guardiola said: “I’m confident if he’s confident. I can’t shoot the penalty — fortunately for Manchester City!

In pictures — Steaua Bucharest 0-5 Manchester City:

“It depends on the players. If he’s confident, for me it’s not a problem. I like players who have no problems.

“It’s not important how many times you fall down, it’s how many times you stand up and try again.

“It depends on him and his team-mates, it’s not a problem for me.

“Missing penalties is part of the game. But the important thing is that Sergio stayed focused, didn’t let his head go down, focused on his game, and after that he scored three goals. He wasn’t a let-down.”

(Image: REUTERS)

The win was City’s biggest ever in the Champions League and equalled their best in Europe, as Guardiola’s tactical revolution at the club started to take effect.

“I’m really pleased with the display and the fact we’re almost in the Champions League,” said the City boss.

“We’re together just one-and-a-half months and played just a few games, so you never know what’s going on, who the players are going to react about the work.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: AFP/Getty)

“But we played really good, and when you win 5-0 in the Champions League against the best team in Romania, it’s because you play very well.”

With such an unassailable lead, City are now guaranteed to join Leicester, Arsenal and Tottenham in next Thursday’s draw for the group stage.