Manchester City's chances of qualifying for the next round of the Champions League seems all but over following their 1-2 defeat to CSKA Moscow in their fourth Group E fixture at the Etihad.
A brace from Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia proved to be enough as City, who were reduced to nine men in the second half, were only able to net a consolation through Yaya Toure.
The game started with CSKA Moscow taking a shock lead after only two minutes through Doumbia, who managed to power a header home from Bibras Natcho's free-kick that was awarded following a harsh decision against Gael Clichy.
The hosts, however, managed to give an immediate response to the goal through Yaya Toure, who found the nets with an excellent curling free-kick that resulted after Stevan Jovetic was fouled just outside the box.
The Russian champions got a very good chance to retake the lead in the 19th minute when Alan Dzagoev's brilliant pass sent Doumbia clear on goal. However, the Ivorian wasted the opportunity as he fired wide of the post.
Moments later, at the other end, Sergio Aguero tested Igor Akinfeev with a good effort but the Russian goalkeeper produced an equally fine save to deny the Argentine.
Despite City looking the dangerous side, it was the visitors who retook the lead in the 34th minute through Doumbia. Clichy's poor clearance was intercepted by Bibras Natkho and the Israeli midfielder teed up the ball for Doumbia, who made no mistakes as he found the nets with a clinical finish.
City's poor performance in the first half prompted manager Manuel Pellegrini to bring in Samir Nasri and Fernandinho in place of Jesus Navas and Jovetic after the break, but neither managed to make an impact on the game.
Things went from bad to worse for City in the 69th minute after Fernandinho received his marching orders (following a second booking) for obstructing Ahmed Musa.
Finally everything fell apart for the Citizens as Toure was also shown a red card for pushing Eremenko in the 81st minute.
Despite being reduced to nine men, City continued to attack, but CSKA Moscow managed to keep their nerves and hold on to their lead.
The Citizens are currently at the bottom of their group with only two points, with them having to face Bayern Munich and Roma in their remaining two fixtures. Even if they manage to win both their games City's chances of progressing to the knockout stages will be dependent on the results of the other sides.
