Two second-half strikes from Julian Alvarez helped defending champions, Manchester City come from behind to win 3-1 against Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium Tuesday night.
Red Star threatened a famous win when Osman Bukari put them in front at the end of the first half.
But City took less than 90 seconds to level after the restart as Alvarez raced onto Erling Haaland’s return pass, rounded Red Star keeper Omri Glazer with a superb piece of deception, and squeezed the ball home from a tight angle while still running at full speed.
Glazer spoiled an otherwise superb performance 13 minutes later when he went to punch Alvarez’s free-kick away from danger but instead got only the faintest touch on the ball which did not divert it away from the far corner.
Spain midfielder, Rodri who scored the winner against Inter Milan four months ago ensured City took a successful first step towards this season’s final at Wembley by scoring their third as he advanced unchecked into the Red Star box and guided a precise shot into the bottom corner.
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