(Football news) Manchester City secured a 3-1 win over Sevilla in the final Group G game with Rico Lewis becoming the youngest player at the age of 17 to score on his first Champions League start. Lewis scored with great composure to level the score after Rafa Mir gave Sevilla a surprising lead in the 31st minute. With City looking for an equaliser, Guardiola deployed his trusted lieutenant Kevin de Bruyne and the Belgian did not disappoint, setting up Julian Alvarez with his 12th assist of the season within three minutes. Alvarez then set up Riyad Mahrez for the third goal of the match with victory ensuring that City finished at the top of Group G.

Speaking about Rico Lewis, Pep Guardiola said “We see him every day, we don't give out presents here. Not just because he's a Manchester City fan and from the academy, he has to earn it. But we've since day one said that this guy has something special. He's aggressive enough defensively but does have a lot of margin to improve and with the ball when playing inside he is so good. And outside he showed today with his crossing and finishing." In team news, Guardiola made seven changes from the team that started against Leicester City with Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez all featuring in the team. 

Speaking after the match, Pep Guardiola said “In the first half we were there but we struggled to attack as we played a right footer on the left and left footer on the right so you go inside and it becomes difficult against five at the back. In the second half with Sergio Gomez on the left and Rico Lewis on the right we felt we had more presence in the final third. It's good as of course we have qualified but we finished well and the money for the club is important. It was a good night for us, especially in the second half." 

Guardiola on the production line coming from the academy: "The academy is working amazingly since Jadon Sancho, Brahim Diaz, Phil Foden, James McAtee, Cole Palmer, there are many talents. The guys that want to stay here and fight for their position, they have a chance. If they are not patient and listen to the agents more, then they can leave, no problem. You saw the reaction from the crowd that people are so pleased to have players from the academy playing for us. They can help us as they have quality." 

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