Alvarez bags brace as Manchester City beat Olayinka's Crvena Zvezda 3-1 in Champions League opener

Manchester City started their defense of the Champions League with a 3-1 victory against Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

The Premier League side were dominant in the first half producing 22 shots but nothing to show for it.

Against the run of play, Crvena Zvezda shocked Manchester City with the opening goal through Ghanaian forward Osman Bukari in the 45th minute.

City went to the halftime break down a goal despite a dominant attacking display.

To start the second half, Manchester City responded like champions as Julian Alvarez scored the equalized after being played through on goal by Erling Haaland.

After Kyle Walker's strike was ruled out as offside, Manchester City eventually went ahead as Alvarez got his second of the game from a free kick.

In the 73rd minute, Manchester City got its third goal as Rodri converted a ball by Phil Foden to kill the momentum of the away side.

Super Eagles of Nigeria star Peter Olayinka continued to make history in Europe as he featured for Crvena Zvezda against Manchester VCity.

Olayinka started the game on the bench but was brought for Mirko Ivanic in the 68th minute.

Olayinka continues to climb the charts for most appearances by a Nigerian in European competitions.

Manchester City held on for the win to start their title defense with three points.