Coach Pep Guardiola affirmed that his priority is to use Alvarez – the $17 million striker from River Plate – as the highest player in attack if Haaland is injured, instead of using a `false number 9`.
Alvarez tricked Bounou to increase the score to 2-1 for Man City in the 73rd minute. Photo: mancity.com
At 22 years and 275 days old, Alvarez became the youngest Argentine player to contribute three goals in a match in the Champions League, since Lionel Messi – 21 years and 288 days old – in the match against Bayern in April 2009, also under Guardiola.
In the remaining match of Group G, Dortmund drew 1-1 at Copenhagen Stadium despite Thorgan Hazard’s opening goal.
Before the final round, Man City was sure to continue with the top spot when they were three points ahead of Dortmund with their head-to-head record, winning 2-1 at Etihad and drawing 0-0 at Signal Iduna Park.
However, Man City still dominated and continuously bombarded the away team’s goal.
Young player Lewis played aggressively in his first start in the Champions League.
Wasting the opportunity, Man City had to pay the price, allowing Sevilla to open the score in the 31st minute. Isco took a corner kick on the right wing for Rafa Mir to head in an unmarked position, sending the ball diagonally, leaving Ortega stranded.
Man City completed the comeback in just the second half thanks to Alvarez.
In the 73rd minute, Kevin De Bruyne made a `trademark` pass from the right wing, eliminating the Sevilla defense so that Alvarez could enter the penalty area.
Alvarez ended the day with a flourish in the 83rd minute. The 22-year-old striker stole the ball from Jose Angel Carmona, then passed it across for Riyad Mahrez to shoot with his left foot into the top corner, setting the score 3-1.
Mahrez scored the winning goal 3-1 for Man City.
Man City 3-1 Sevilla
Main developments in the match Man City 3-1 Sevilla on November 2.
Squad:
Man City: Ortega, Laporte, Dias, Gomez (Wilson-Esbrand 70), Lewis (Cancelo 85), Gundogan (Silva 57), Foden, Palmer (De Bruyne 70), Alvarez, Grealish (Rodri 46), Mahrez.
Sevilla: Bono, Marcao (Gudelj 45), Rekik, Carmona, Acuna (Telles 46), Montiel, Rakitic (Jordan 67), Delaney, Isco (Lamela 57), Mir, Gomez (Suso 46).