It was a remarkable night for Pep Guardiola though as Fabian Delph’s header from Jesus Navas’ cross made it 6-0 on aggregate for the English side after they ran rout of their European opponent in the most prestigious League in the world.
Leading 5-0 from the first leg, City rested several key players including David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Meanwhile goalkeeper Joe Hart was restored to the City starting XI for the first and most likely last time under Pep Guardiola and was handed over the captain hand band.
Guardiola’s immediate concern will be an apparent calf injury that curtailed Iheanacho’s evening but, for Hart and the fans he has played in front of for the past decade, this felt more like a time to look back and appreciatively reflect.
It meant much of the focus could fall upon England keeper Hart, whose every contribution was warmly applauded by the home fans from the moment he emerged wearing the captain’s armband.
A lull in already unremarkable proceedings following Delph’s goal led to a sustained period of singing from the stands in support of the 29-year-old, who appeared visibly moved by the reception.
While Hart’s inclusion stole the pre-match headlines, there was also a first appearance of the season for Yaya Toure in midfield, while 19-year-old Pablo Maffeo made his senior debut at right-back
The City keeper’s first touch and a routine pass out to Aleksandar Kolarov drew significant applause from the home support, while an uneventful opening to the match was soundtracked by chants of “Don’t sell Joe Hart”.
Kelechi Iheanacho warmed Valentin Cojocaru’s palms in the ninth minute after having a pass fizzed into his feet by Kolarov, while Toure whipped a free-kick past the near post shortly afterwards.
Cojocaru made further routine saves from Nolito and Delph as the match ambled towards half-time.
Delph extended the Steaua keeper significantly for the first time 10 minutes into the second half as he surged on to a cute Iheanacho pass and the England midfielder broke the deadlock a minute later.
Iheanacho was involved again, cutting a pass back for Jesus Navas to chip in a pinpoint cross that Delph gleefully headed home.
Guardiola then took the opportunity to send on City academy products Tosin Adarabioyo and Angelino for Champions League debuts, with John Stones and Nolito the men to make way.
John Stones also stold the headlines as his firmness on the back line was rewarded with the man of the match award after City has already imposed a 5-0 damage in the first qualifying leg.