Manchester City secure maximum points as Newcastle crash out of UEFA Champions League

Premier League champions, Manchester City defeated Red Star Belgrade 3-2 to secure maximum points as they progress from the group stages of the ongoing 2023/24 UEFA Champions League competition.

The reigning UEFA champions league leaders will be looking to win the competition for the second time following their impressive run in the group stages.

Manchester City came into the final group game against Serbian side, Red Star Belgrade as the winners of Group G despite having a game to spare. Pep Guardiola, the coach of the English Premier League outfit came into the game with a new look squad that had nine changes from their previous class against Young Boys.

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Notable stars such as Erling Halaand and Rodri were both missing from the Manchester City line-up.

Micah Hamilton, a 20-year-old City midfielder scored the opening goal in the 19th minute; City’s second goal emerged from another debutant, Oscar Bobb in the second half.

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In-beom Hwang got one goal back for Red Star Belgrade before English midfielder, Kalvin Philip restored City’s two-lead from the penalty spot.

In the concluding minutes of the game, Red Star’s substitute, Aleksandar Katai a consolation goal.

Manchester City qualified from the group with 18 points, while Red Star Belgrade finished at the bottom of the group. In another Group G match, German side, RB Leipzig progressed after defeating Young Boys 2-1 to solidify their runner’s up position.

Elsewhere, English Premier League outfit, Newcastle United were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after losing 2-1 at home to seven times winners, AC Milan.

Borussia Dortmund and 2020 UEFA Champions League finalist, Paris St. Germain progressed from Group F as Newcastle and AC Milan crash out.

In Group E, Spanish outfit, Atletico Madrid finished as the winners as Italian club, Lazio finished in second place.

As for five times winners of the competition, FC Barcelona, they finished as the winners of Group H despite losing their match against Belgian side, Royal Antwerp.

FC Barcelona finished on 12 points with the resilient Portuguese side, FC Porto who emerged victorious in a must-win contest against Ukrainian side, Shakhtar Donetsk which ended 5-3.

See how the Group stages rounded up: