Despite an impressive attacking display in the first period, minus a clinical finish, Pep Guardiola’s men went in 0-1 down at the break, Osman Bukari firing home just before half-time.
There was no panic in the stands and certainly none on the pitch and, just like at West Ham in our last game, there was a quick response from the sky blues.
Julian Alvarez showed graft and grace to meet an Erling Haaland throughball, round the keeper and prod home the equaliser just 73 seconds into the second period.
CITY 3-1 RED STAR | Match report
Alvarez doubled his tally on the hour mark when his free-kick from the left channel somehow evaded everyone and flew past Omri Glazer in the Red Star goal.
Rodrigo put a deserved gloss on the scoreline as he produced a fine finish on 73 minutes, with his curling strike conjuring up memories of his illustrious Istanbul winner in the 2022/23 final.
Watch our highlights in the video player above...
