Manchester City’s youngsters were knocked out of this season’s UEFA Youth League with defeat in front of a raucous Hajduk Split crowd.

The Croatian outfit were 2-1 winners in the last-16 tie, and their surprise victory sparked jubilant celebrations from the crowd.

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City finished top of Group G on their way to the knockout stages, finishing ahead of Borussia Dortmund, FC Copenhagen and Sevilla.

The side, led by Brian Barry-Murphy, were unbeaten over the six games, but their European campaign has now ended early.

Hajduk opened the scoring at the Stadion Poljud in Split after 24 minutes through Roko Brajkovic.

Their lead was doubled nine minutes later courtesy of Mate Antunovic’s fine dribbling and strike.

The goal was most certainly well received from the hosts’ fans, with over 10,000 people showing their support for the side.

Hajduk’s stars ran over to their fans to join the celebrations, whilst their manager Marijan Budimir called for calm on the touchline.

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City’s Oscar Bobb pulled one back for the visitors just before the break to reduce the deficit.

However, they couldn’t find an equaliser and went down to ten men in the latter stages when Finley Burns was shown a second yellow card.

Hajduk’s victory was eventually sealed and they will progress to the quarter-finals, with City heading home early.

Liverpool are the only remaining English side left in the competition, and they will face Porto at home on Wednesday.

Although their European quest is over, City’s youth could still be set for domestic success this season.

They are top of the Premier League 2 table and face Oxford United in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, with Arsenal awaiting them in the final four should they win.