After Osman Bukari’s unexpected first goal, the Argentine scored again in a matter of seconds to put Pep Guardiola’s team back on track for a 3-1 triumph.
Man City player ratings vs. Red Star Belgrade: Phil Foden once again excels in midfield as Julian Alvarez prevents champions league holders from opening-night disgrace.
Manchester City supporters may count their lucky stars for Julian Alvarez when Erling Haaland isn’t feeling well because he led the Champions League holders to a 3-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade after a major scare on the first night of their European title defense.
Osman Bukari’s unexpected goal just before halftime gave the visitors a startling lead despite completely dominating Red Star in the first half, during which Haaland hit the crossbar and missed two other opportunities. The goal was initially ruled offside but was eventually given by VAR.
City was 45 minutes away from becoming just the second side in Champions League history to drop their first match as league champions, but Alvarez’s stunning goal soon allayed their concerns. With the slightest of touches, he guided a Haaland pass into the back of the net.
Alvarez then gave City the lead with a free-kick that Red Star goalkeeper Omri Glazer really ought to have saved, and Rodri—the hero of the Istanbul Champions League final—appropriately decided the outcome with a wonderful display of technique and a curling finish.
Defense and goalkeeper Ederson (6/10):
Overall, he had little to do, but in the second half, he was quick to leave his area and prevent a Red Star break, even attempting a backheel in the middle of the pitch.
7/10 Kyle Walker
observant, physically dominant, and incredibly powerful. was offside as he attempted to score a few times and put the ball in the goal. genuinely defending his generous new contract.
(5) Ruben Dias:
Bukari was put in for the surprise goal by Red Star. He was otherwise solid as usual, making good use of his strength.
6/10 Nathan Ake
dominant in defense and made a significant contribution on offense.
4.10.0 Sergio Gomez:
but hardly ever made a significant contribution. kept losing passes or choosing the wrong course of action. before the hour mark; taken off.
Bernardo Silva (5/10), a midfielder:
Before being substituted late in the first half because of an injury, lacked a little bit of spark.
Rodri (8/10):
Outstanding throughout, especially after receiving a yellow card early on. threatened to score for the majority of the game and eventually succeeded with a sophisticated pass past a defender and a beautiful finish.
(6) Matheus Nunes
With the exception of missing the header that resulted in Red Star’s lightning strike, he had a strong full debut. Otherwise, he easily adapted to Guardiola’s system, albeit he could have displayed a little bit more forward ambition.
Phil Foden attack (8/10):
energetic, quick to act, and innate. kept supplying Haaland and Alvarez with the ball and was constantly ready to recover it.
Erling Haaland 6 out of 10
Although his finishing was quite poor, he made up for it with a fantastic assist on Alvarez’s opening goal.
(9/10) Julian Alvarez
quickly flipped the script on the game. His first goal was exquisite, a beautifully understated finish following a fantastic pass from Haaland. His second was somewhat fortunate, although he took a chance by shooting directly at the goal and challenging Glazer’s frail defense. Possibly had a hat trick.
Manager Jeremy Doku and substitutes (6/10):
gave City a feeling of unpredictability and added impetus.
(6) Manuel Akanji
gave his team more stability after taking the place of the unpredictable Gomez.
Oscar Bobb, n.d.
In the 84th minute, he made his Champions League debut. Raw, but it looked thrilling.
(N/A) Kalvin Phillips
only entered the game in the 84th.
Rico Lewis, n.d.
only entered the game in the 84th.
7/10 for Pep Guardiola:
gave Gomez opportunities, gave Nunes his whole debut, and was very responsive with his subs.
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