Champions League: Man City makes history yet again with 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade

Wednesday night’s 3-2 victory against Red Star in Serbia made Manchester City just the second English team in Champions League history to win every one of their six group-stage matches.

Pep Guardiola’s roster certainly left an impression in Belgrade, having already secured the top place in Group G. Micah Hamilton, making his Champions League debut, opened the goal with a neat first-half finish.

At Rajko Mitic Stadium, Oscar Bobb increased the visitors’ lead after an hour with an equally beautiful effort following some good flair. Though Aleksandar Katai’s header even later gave the home team hope in the 76th minute, Kalvin Phillips’ late penalty secured another victory for the European champions.

The match report

With first place in their Champions League group already guaranteed, Pep Guardiola rotated his Man City team a lot, starting players like Bobb, Hamilton, and Phillips. After a dull opening to the match, the latter capitalised for the European champions with a thunderous drive into the Red Star net.

Red Star’s momentum was cut short by Man City’s possession of the ball, even though the Serbian team came dangerously close to drawing even with a left-footed curling attempt just over the bar by 17-year-old Kosta Nedeljkovic.

Shortly before halftime, Hamilton cut the ball across the face of the Red Star goal, and Bobb was inches from doubling City’s lead by tapping in at the far post.

Shortly after halftime, Man City’s lively winger Hamilton appeared most likely to extend his team’s lead, looping a shot just beyond Omri Glazer’s post. On the other hand, Guelor Kanga and Cherif Ndiaye made some pleasing attempts, so Stefan Ortega had to be quick to react.

But soon enough, Bobb had to share in the glory in Belgrade. Shortly after the hour, the 20-year-old Norwegian skated into the penalty area, cutting in with his left foot and sliding into the back of the net off the inside of the post. The Man City superstar produced an amazing finale.

With fifteen minutes left, Hwang gave Red Star a goal back, sending a low shot past an unguarded Ortega. However, Hamilton’s strong play earned a late penalty, which Kalvin Phillips scored. The home team answered again in stoppage time, but Katai’s goal was ultimately insignificant as Man City took the three points away from Serbia.