Manchester City beat Red Star 3-2 in Serbia on Wednesday to maintain their perfect Champions League record.
Goals from Micah Hamilton, Oscar Bobb and Kalvin Phillips ensured all three points for the Cityzens, with an impressive display from Pep Guardiola's youthful side despite some Red Star resistance.
With their place at the top of Group G assured, Guardiola was able to utilise some of the fringe players in his squad, as well as some younger faces. With little to no pressure on their shoulders, it served as an exciting opportunity for certain individuals to catch the eye in Belgrade.
While it felt like a game that had nothing riding on it in the opening stages, a moment of brilliance from 20-year-old Champions League debutant Micah Hamilton did offer Man City the lead after19 minutes.
The young winger picked the ball up just inside the area and produced a powerful drive that flew beyond goalkeeper Omri Glazer.
Hamilton with an Aguero finish 🩵🩵 #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/knF5G3II2B
— Walter Smith (@mancitysmith) December 13, 2023
It really was a night for Man City's young talents and it was Oscar Bobb's turn to shine on the big stage after half-time.
The young attacker waltzed into the penalty area after the hour mark, moving the ball on to his left foot and slotting into the far corner with aplomb.
E̶r̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ H̶a̶a̶l̶a̶n̶d̶, Oscar Bobb 🇳🇴
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 13, 2023
Another great goal scored by a Manchester City youngster, BRILLIANT! 🙌🔥 pic.twitter.com/OK3opvw1qL
Oscar Bobb has just turned into Messi. Absolutely insane goal that. Stupidly good.
— Steven (@StevenMcinerney) December 13, 2023
MICAH HAMILTON AND OSCAR BOBB GOALS UNDER THE UCL LIGHTS OMFGGG I AM ALIVE
— ¹⁰ (@SxrgioSZN) December 13, 2023
Despite a late Red Star fightback, it was ultimately an enjoyable evening for Man City and their youngsters as they ran out 3-2 winners in Belgrade.
Heck, even Phillips got on the scoresheet.
No way Kalvin Phillips has more UCL goals than Rashford and Antony this season 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/nPLMiAEeGY
— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) December 13, 2023
8 - Manchester City have become the first English club to win eight consecutive European Cup/UEFA Champions League matches. Frontier. pic.twitter.com/6ay0Ewpki4
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 13, 2023
💯 percent! 💙
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 13, 2023
Man City become the second English club to win all six of their #UCL group games, after Liverpool in 2021-22 👏#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/JapVQWjBGI