Manchester City pulled off a stunning comeback against Red Star Belgrade in their opening Champions League fixture, securing a 3-1 victory. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans on both sides as the European champions had to claw their way back from a deficit to claim the win.
Red Star, themselves former European Cup winners in 1991, surprised everyone when Osman Bukari scored just before halftime to put them in the lead. The Serbian champions were dreaming of a historic upset.
However, it didn’t take long for the drama to unfold in Manchester. Just 72 seconds into the second half, Julian Alvarez, one of City’s rising stars, found the back of the net. He displayed incredible speed and skill as he rounded Red Star’s goalkeeper, Omri Glazer, and squeezed the ball home from a tight angle while still in full sprint. Talk about a game-changing moment!
But Alvarez wasn’t done making headlines. In the 61st minute, he struck again, putting City in the lead with his second goal of the night. This time, it was a free-kick that left Glazer with no chance. The goalkeeper’s touch was just a faint one, and the ball found its way into the far corner. Alvarez’s performance was truly outstanding, and he was undoubtedly the hero of the match.
Rodri, not wanting to be left out of the scoring party, added the third goal for City. The Spain midfielder, known for his precise passing and control, advanced into the Red Star box unchecked and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. It was a reminder of his historic goal that secured the Champions League trophy against Inter Milan in June.
City’s dominance was evident throughout the match, with the final statistics telling the story. They boasted a staggering 77% possession and unleashed an incredible 37 shots on goal compared to Red Star’s mere three attempts. It was a display of pure attacking prowess.
The win marked a successful start to City’s campaign to defend their Champions League title. With the final scheduled to be held at Wembley Stadium, the journey promises to be exciting for fans.
As for player ratings, Julian Alvarez stole the show with an impressive 8.45 rating, rightly reflecting his two crucial goals. Rodri also stood out with a rating of 7.85, underlining his importance in the midfield. It was a night filled with drama and memorable performances, leaving fans eager for more Champions League action.
Stay tuned for more thrilling football updates and remember to rate your favorite players out of 10 throughout or after the game. From pure perfection to giving it up, your ratings matter in capturing the essence of these unforgettable matches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Champions League comeback
Q: Who scored for Red Star Belgrade in the match against Manchester City?
A: Osman Bukari scored for Red Star Belgrade, giving them the lead just before halftime.
Q: How quickly did Julian Alvarez score for Manchester City after the restart?
A: Julian Alvarez scored for Manchester City just 72 seconds after the second-half restart, leveling the score.
Q: How many goals did Julian Alvarez score in the match?
A: Julian Alvarez scored two goals in the match, both in the second half, helping Manchester City secure the win.
Q: Who scored Manchester City’s third goal?
A: Rodri scored Manchester City’s third goal of the match with a precise shot into the bottom corner of Red Star’s net.
Q: What were the possession and shot statistics for the match?
A: Manchester City dominated possession with 77%, and they had 37 shots on goal compared to Red Star Belgrade’s three attempts.
More about Champions League comeback
- Manchester City Official Website
- Red Star Belgrade Official Website
- Champions League Official Website
- Julian Alvarez Profile
- Champions League Match Statistics
- Rodri Profile
- Osman Bukari Profile
1 comment
Crazy match, red star suprzd us all!