As Manchester City embarked on their journey to defend their Champions League crown against Red Star Belgrade, Pep Guardiola’s pre-match assertion that it might be “easier” to defend the title than win it for the first time raised eyebrows. However, the reality check arrived early in the form of Osman Bukari’s 45th-minute goal, reminding everyone that the path to a second successive title would have its challenges.
“Going down 0-1 at half-time was nice,” Guardiola commented. “Because maybe we needed it after winning the Treble. We need to be champions who prove ourselves, and we proved it.”
While the statistics may indicate a comfortable victory for City, with 103 attacks to Red Star’s 13 and 37 goal-scoring chances to their opponent’s three, the match revealed more than mere numbers could convey.
Indeed, City’s remarkable depth and quality shone through as they clinched a 3-1 victory. Julián Álvarez scored twice, and a late Rodri strike sealed the win after Bukari’s surprise first-half opener for Red Star. This marked City’s 25th win with two draws since their last Champions League home defeat at the Etihad in September 2018.
However, despite the victory, it was not a straightforward affair for City. Their inability to convert numerous goal-scoring opportunities could come back to haunt them when facing stronger opponents in the tournament.
Red Star, while sharing the same number of European Cups as City (one), is unlikely to relive their finest hour from 1991 this season or in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, their spirited and fearless approach in the Group G opener serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for City.
Coach Barak Bachar praised his team’s bravery, saying, “We tried to be brave, tried to fight. But the way they move the ball is amazing. We can look ourselves in the mirror, though, and say that we had the bravery to face this great team.”
The Champions League poses different challenges compared to the Premier League, with opponents displaying greater ambition. While this can be risky against a ruthless side like City, it can also unsettle even the best teams if they are not fully focused.
City found confidence in the array of first-half saves by Red Star’s goalkeeper, Omri Glazer, who made six crucial stops. Bukari’s VAR-awarded goal, initially flagged offside by the assistant referee, was a testament to Red Star’s determination.
Julián Álvarez’s early second-half equalizer eased City’s nerves, but a mistake by Glazer, who misjudged Álvarez’s free-kick and punched it into his own net, gave City the lead. From that point on, City’s victory seemed inevitable.
However, despite their dominance, City seems to lack the same spark that propelled them to a historic Treble last season. The absence of key players like Ilkay Gündogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and Jack Grealish due to injuries raises concerns.
While City has begun the season with a string of victories, they have not yet faced a formidable rival. Guardiola acknowledges that winning the Champions League again will be “easier” in terms of reduced pressure following last June’s triumph. Yet, on the pitch, the challenges will be as tough as ever.
In the end, City can thank Red Star for delivering a vital reminder that success in the Champions League requires more than just past glory; it demands continued excellence and determination on the field.
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