In a thrilling Champions League opener, Manchester City showcased their resilience as they came from behind to secure a vital win against Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade. Julian Alvarez emerged as the hero with two second-half goals.

Red Star, European Cup winners in 1991, made a strong bid for a historic victory when Osman Bukari netted in the dying moments of the first half. However, City wasted no time responding, with Alvarez capitalising on Erling Haaland's well-placed return pass. With a deft display of skill, Alvarez deceived Red Star's keeper, Omri Glazer, finding the net from a tight angle at full tilt, levelling the score in less than 90 seconds after the restart.

Unfortunately for Glazer, his outstanding performance was marred 13 minutes later when he attempted to punch away Alvarez's free-kick, only to make the faintest contact with the ball, inadvertently guiding it into the far corner.

Rodri, whose last European goal secured the trophy against Inter Milan in June, continued his impactful run by netting City's third. Unchecked as he ventured into the Red Star box, the Spanish midfielder expertly guided a precise shot into the bottom corner, taking City one step closer to the season's final at Wembley.

By the final whistle, the hosts had demonstrated their dominance with an impressive 77% possession and an astounding 37 shots compared to Red Star's three. This hard-fought victory underscored Manchester City's determination to defend their Champions League title.