Football: Alvarez fills Haaland's shoes as Man City see off Sevilla in Champions League

Manchester City's Julian Alvarez (right) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Rico Lewis. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Julian Alvarez for stepping into the void left by Erling Haaland and claiming a goal and two assists as the team came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1 on Wednesday.

The English champions were without Haaland due to a foot injury and with top spot in Champions League Group G already assured, Guardiola took the opportunity to leave Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo on the bench.

A much-changed side trailed at the break at the Etihad to Rafa Mir’s towering header.

But 17-year-old Rico Lewis levelled on his full debut early in the second half, before substitute de Bruyne’s sublime pass set up Alvarez for his fifth City goal. The Argentinian then teed up Riyad Mahrez to complete the comeback seven minutes from time.

Victory sees City end the group five points clear of Borussia Dortmund, with Sevilla dropping into the Europa League after finishing third.

“One of the reasons why it is a great night is for Julian. He made two assists and a goal. We know how good he is and the quality he has. Today, he was patient,” said Guardiola.

Haaland was unstoppable with a brace when the sides met in September, with City running out 4-0 winners. In his two-game absence, Guardiola’s men have lacked the same firepower, scoring just one goal.

On Wednesday, they dominated possession, but struggled to make it count before half-time.

Guardiola shook things up at the break with the introduction of Rodri for Jack Grealish. The Spain international restored some order for City with Phil Foden more dangerous pushed out on the left.

However, it was an unlikely hero who got the equaliser.

Manchester City’s Rico Lewis (right) scoring the equaliser past Sevilla’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Lewis had played just 68 minutes for the City senior team in four substitute appearances before being handed his full debut.

The right-back kept a cool head with a thumping finish high past goalkeeper Bono from Alvarez’s clever pass.

Lewis, aged 17 years and 346 days, became the youngest player to score on his first Champions League start, breaking the record held by Karim Benzema, who was 17 years and 352 days when he scored for Lyon in 2005.

“He’s a fantastic player, so intelligent. He understands everything. He made a fantastic goal and played really well,” Guardiola said. “In the first half, the guys tried. Second half was better, really good goals. I’m happy for everyone.” AFP, REUTERS

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