Rico Lewis makes history in City win
At 17 years old, Rico Lewis became the youngest player in UCL history to score on his first start in the competition in Manchester City’s win over Sevilla.
Manchester City had already won Group G of the Champions League group stage, but they can feel even more confident after a 3-1 defeat over Sevilla on Wednesday.
Of City’s three goals, one came from 17-year-old Rico Lewis, who became the youngest player in Champions League history to score on his first start in the competition, eclipsing Karim Benzema, as well as the second-youngest Englishman to score in the Champions League.
Lewis had been at the academy with City since he was eight years old. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed his excitement at being able to bring someone on from the academy and have him succeed.
“Sometimes you think, ‘I’ll have to buy fullbacks’, and how expensive everything is,” said Guardiola. “But we can give someone from the academy the chance and they can help us to make a back-up...that is a dream come true for all of us.”
Guardiola had taken Lewis on the preseason tour of the United States this summer after he was recommended by City’s youth coaches. He said they realized after just minutes of watching Lewis play, he “had something special”.
“We don’t give presents here,” said Guardiola. “He had to earn it.”
When Lewis scored the goal, an equalizer in the 52nd minute, he left the field to a standing ovation from the crowd.
“The people love players from the academy, but we see him every day. We know he has quality and I am really happy for him.”