- Manchester City hosted Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad in match week 1 of the UEFA Champions League
- City fell early on despite dominating as Red Star went ahead in the first half
- The defending champions, however, put in hard work, making a comeback to win 3-1
Julian Alvarez impressed as Manchester City commenced their UEFA Champions League title defense with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade, coming from behind to secure the win.
The treble-winning City side received a surprise when the Serbian champions, Red Star Belgrade, took an unexpected lead against the run of play just before halftime in the Group G clash held at the Etihad Stadium. Osman Bukari was the scorer of this shock goal.
However, Julian Alvarez quickly equalized for Manchester City shortly after the break. Alvarez’s contribution extended as he delivered a free-kick that resulted in an own goal by the otherwise exceptional Red Star goalkeeper, Omri Glazer.
Rodri, who had been the match-winner against Inter Milan in the previous season’s final, sealed the victory with a composed finish 17 minutes before the final whistle.
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, September 19 2023. | PHOTO: ESPN |
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Despite falling behind, Manchester City had dominated the game prior to taking the lead. Omri Glazer, the Red Star goalkeeper, made a series of impressive saves to thwart the hosts, and Erling Haaland even struck the crossbar.
City began to capitalize on their chances in the second half, although they could have scored more goals. Kyle Walker had an effort disallowed, Haaland hit the woodwork again, and Alvarez found the side-netting.
While Red Star Belgrade boasts a strong European pedigree as winners of the competition in 1991, they were clearly outclassed by the current dominant force in European football.
Manchester City had their first opportunity in the ninth minute when Phil Foden’s shot was deflected over the crossbar. Rodri then ventured into the area, testing Glazer with a shot.
Glazer, the Israeli goalkeeper, had a busy first half, denying Alvarez on two occasions and making a crucial save from a point-blank header by Foden.
City’s best chance in the opening period came when Haaland met a floated cross from Foden with a powerful header, but it hit the crossbar.
Haaland had another excellent opportunity to give City the lead but fired over the goal from a close-range position.
As halftime approached, Red Star Belgrade, who had been looking to counter-attack when possible, stunned the hosts by taking a shock lead. Bukari was released by Mirko Ivanic and calmly slotted the ball past Ederson. Initially, there were doubts about offside, but a VAR review confirmed the goal.
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City, who made a tactical substitution by bringing on Jeremy Doku for Bernardo Silva just before halftime, swiftly responded and equalized two minutes into the second half. Alvarez showcased his superb finishing skills after being set up by Haaland, dinking the ball cleverly over Glazer.
Shortly afterward, Kyle Walker believed he had given City the lead, but he was deemed offside.
City secured the lead just before the hour mark when Alvarez curled a free-kick from the left into the box. Glazer came out to punch but failed to make clean contact, and the ball deflected off the back of his hand into the net.
Haaland had another near miss when he headed the ball against the post, and Alvarez narrowly missed the target with a powerful strike.
Finally, City extended their lead to a more realistic scoreline when Rodri netted their third goal. The Spaniard skillfully maneuvered past Vladimir Lucic just outside the area, courtesy of some excellent work by Foden, and calmly placed the ball into the far bottom corner of the net.
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