Manchester City teenager Rico Lewis celebrated his first start as a senior by scoring his first score for City. City recovered from a 2-0 deficit to finish their dominating Champions League group stage with a 3-1 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday.
With the formidable Erling Haaland missing, Argentina striker Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez both impressed when they scored however the match was all to Lewis.
City were confirmed already in their status as Group G winners while Sevilla secured third position as well. Pep Guardiola has made 7 adjustments to his line-up the 17-year-old right-back Lewis Sevilla grabbing his chance in the Etihad Stadium.
Rafa Mir scored Sevilla victory in the 30th minute of the match with a precise header that slipped past City’s reserve goalie Stefan Ortega.
However, Lewis who was added to the starting team with 20-year old Cole Palmer, levelled in the 52nd minute after Lewis reacted to the slide-rule ball of Alvarez and smashed it home.
In doing so, Lewis who was 17 years and 346 days He became the youngest footballer to be scored during their debut Champions League start, breaking the record set by Karim Benzema. He was just 17 years old and 352 days old when Lewis scored for Lyon.
“What is a goal. He’s an amazing player. He’s so smart,” Guardiola said. “He knows everything. He scored a great goal and was really good.
“In the beginning of half, the team attempted to score. Second half was much better with some really impressive goals. I’m so happy for everyone.”
Alvarez made a cool finish to make sure that City on top in the 72nd minute. getting the ball past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and putting it in the upper corner of the net after being swung into the net by a superb passing by replacement Kevin de Bruyne.
Mahrez was able to seal the win by scoring a slick finish following another assist from Alvarez.
City took the title with 14 points , with Borussia Dortmund also progressing to the final 16 . They finished as the runners up.
