What Pep Guardiola told Julian Alvarez before RB Leipzig introduction as Man City set next target

Manchester City secured their place at the top of Champions League Group G on Tuesday with a brilliant 3-2 comeback win at home to RB Leipzig.

Pep Guardiola's side found themselves 2-0 down inside 33 minutes at the Etihad thanks to a quick-fire Lois Openda brace. It remained that way beyond half-time but after a string of chances, goals from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez turned the result on its head.

City should now enjoy a more favourable draw for the last-16 and will not host Tottenham on Sunday with the momentum of an excellent win behind them. Guardiola's side dropped down to second over the weekend but remain firmly in the title race ahead of a packed winter schedule.

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Here are your Wednesday evening headlines.

Alvarez on Guardiola

Julian Alvarez has admitted that his and Jeremy Doku's introductions in the second half of Tuesday night's 3-2 come-from-behind win over RB Leipzig tipped the balance in City's favour.

A first-half brace from striker Lois Openda fired Leipzig into a 2-0 lead at half-time, putting City's unbeaten record at the Etihad Stadium in 2023 in serious jeopardy. However, a talking-to from boss Pep Guardiola at the interval had the desired impact, with the Blues staging an impressive comeback.

Erling Haaland dragged them back into the contest nine minutes after the restart, just moments after Guardiola had brought on Alvarez and Doku to freshen up his attack. Phil Foden then pulled City level 16 minutes later, before Alvarez scored a late winner to ensure City progressed to the last-16 of the Champions League as Group G winners.

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