With several changes made to the starting XI, it’s fair to say City were a little below par in the first 45 against Sevilla.
The visitors were compact and well-organised, denying City space with a narrow formation that filled the pockets of space in the Spaniards’ final third.
The Blues were reduced to a couple of half-chances - the best of which fell to Cole Palmer and Ilkay Gundogan - and were rocked by a set-piece goal as an unmarked Rafa Mir headed home Isco’s corner on 31 minutes to put the La Liga side ahead.
But Pep Guardiola made some subtle tweaks at the break and City looked a different team, moving the ball around quickly and completely dominating the second period.
Here we’ll take a look at the stats from the game...
POSESSION GAME
With a 60%-40% possession split in City’s favour, Sevilla’s game plan saw them have more of the ball than many teams do when playing the Blues.
A determination to play from the back - sometimes untidily - accounts for much of Sevilla’s 40%.
City’s passing success was 91%, with 624 of our passes finding their intended target.
Sevilla completed 89% of their 432 passes on the night.
GOAL ATTEMPTS
City are rarely beaten on the shots at goal ratio - and this was the case against Sevilla.
The Blues managed 21 shots to Sevilla’s seven, with seven of our efforts on target and two of the visitors’ shots needing to be saved.
ALVAREZ’S STELLAR SECOND 45
A very smart goal and two assists means Julian Alvarez’s second-half was incredibly productive.
The Argentine struggled to find space in the first period, but the tactical shift Pep made after the break meant he was able to find gaps in and around the Sevilla box.
Rodrigo‘s introduction allowed and Phil Foden‘s switch to the left flank gave City a better, more effective balance that immediately paid off.
It also allowed Alvarez more freedom.
He set up Rico Lewis‘ goal with a lovely threaded ball and he also set up Riyad Mahrez‘s 83rd-minute strike.
Alvarez’s goal came from a sublime Kevin De Bruyne pass that he then took past the Sevilla keeper before finishing (dare we say?) with a goal reminiscent of our all-time record scorer Sergio Aguero.
All in all, a terrific night’s work by the Argentina star.
Champions League stats so far...
City are one of just four sides to complete the Champions League group stage unbeaten.
Bayern Munich are the only side with a 100% record, having won all six of their group matches, while Benfica and PSG were also unbeaten with the same record as City - four wins and two draws.
City’s 14 goals scored compares well with other qualified teams, though Napoli’s 20 goals scored is the best of all the 16 teams who will make up the next round, with Bayern next on 18 and Liverpool with 17.
However, with just two goals conceded, City - along with Bayern Munich - boast the best defensive record of the qualified teams.
