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Man City begin their Champions League title defence at home against Serbian giants FK Crvena zvezda tonight. Pep Guardiola’s side finally achieved European glory after so many years of frustration last season, setting the seal on a famous treble as Rodri’s goal saw off Inter Milan in June’s final in Istanbul.
Many are tipping Super Cup holders City to become the first team since Real Madrid to win back-to-back titles in Europe’s premier club competition, no easy feat but one made initially easier by a gentle-looking Group G on paper that also includes RB Leipzig and Young Boys. They are already looking in ominous domestic form having won five from five to kick off their Premier League defence, coming from behind to take West Ham’s unbeaten record on Saturday with Guardiola returning to the dugout after back surgery.
City will be expected to comfortably now brush aside a Red Star outfit – famous winners in 1991 – that lifted the Serbian SuperLiga title last term but have lost two of their last three. Guardiola makes three changes to his starting XI, with Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez and Matheus Nunes all drafted in. Follow Manchester City vs Red Star Belgrade live below!
Live updates
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
Full-time
After an unexpected scare, the dominant holders come firing back to make a winning start to their Champions League title defence in Group G.
It’s RB Leizig away up next, probably the toughest game in the group on paper.
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
93 mins: Still not falling for Haaland, who will now be up to four consecutive Champions League games without a goal.
That’s an absolute age by his superhuman standards.
He wants a decision from the referee but doesn’t get it.
At the other end, Doku gets back to do some defending to effectively see out the game.
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
90 mins: Four minutes of added time signalled.
Can City add further to their lead? Haaland really wants a goal…
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
88 mins: City are just going through the motions now as stoppage time beckons.
37 attempts (16 on target) so far tonight from Guardiola’s men. Incredible.
That goes with 77 per cent possession and 12 corners. And they had to come from behind!
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
84 mins: Still City push for goal number four and another unconvincing save from Glazer keeps young Bobb at bay.
Just me doing a Rowan Atkinson Blackadder impression with that?
Mijailovic goes down holding his face after a coming together with Haaland, but there was nothing in that.
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
A trademark brilliant strike from Rodri to put this game to bed
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
82 mins: More Red Star changes as Milos Degenek and Kings Kangwa replace goalscorer Bukari and Hwang.
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
80 mins: Stamenic into the book for Red Star as we enter the final 10 minutes.
With the game surely now won, Guardiola goes back to his bench.
Rico Lewis and Kalvin Phillips are on along with young Norwegian midfielder Oscar Bobb, replacing Foden, Rodri and Dias.
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
79 mins: Vladimir Lucic is on for Red Star now. Off goes Mitrovic.
Manchester City 3-1 Red Star Belgrade
78 mins: Haaland is understandably desperate to get in on the act tonight but it’s just not happening for him in front of goal – not often you can say that.
Doku’s blocked shot brings it up to 35 efforts for City so far tonight. A staggering number.
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