Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis scored his first goal for the club as City recovered from behind to overcome Sevilla 3-1 on Wednesday to complete their dominant Champions League group stage.
Despite the absence of the prolific Erling Haaland, Argentina strikers Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez both scored, but the night belonged to Lewis.
Watch LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, and more sports on ESPN+ (U.S.)
Pep Guardiola made seven changes to his starting lineup, with 17-year-old right-back Lewis taking his moment at the Etihad Stadium. City were already secured as Group G champions, while Sevilla were certain of third place.
Rafa Mir’s perfect header past City’s backup goalie Stefan Ortega gave Sevilla the lead in the 31st minute.
Lewis, who was joined in the starting lineup by 20-year-old Cole Palmer, levelled the score in the 52nd minute when he sprinted on to Alvarez’s slide-rule ball and blasted home.
Lewis, who is 17 years and 346 days old, became the youngest player in Champions League history to score on their debut appearance, surpassing the mark held by Karim Benzema, who was 17 years and 352 days old when he scored for Lyon.
- Lewis smashes the goal record, but he’s too old for others.
- Draw for the Champions League knockout rounds: seedings, dates, and times
“Wow, what a goal. “He’s a wonderful player who is really bright,” Guardiola remarked. “He knows everything.” He scored a beautiful goal and performed really well.
“The boys tried in the first half. The second half was much better, with some excellent goals. “I’m delighted for everyone.”
After being brought in by a fantastic pass from substitute Kevin de Bruyne, Alvarez produced a calm finish to put City ahead in the 73rd minute, moving the ball around goalie Yassine Bounou and blasting into the top of the net.
After another assist from Alvarez, Mahrez clinched the match with a precise finish.
City won the group with 14 points, while Borussia Dortmund finished second and advanced to the last 16.