Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis has broken a Champions League record previously set by Karim Benzema after scoring in Wednesday night's 3-1 victory against Sevilla at the Etihad Stadium.
The 17-year-old academy graduate was handed his first senior start at right-back for the Citizens, having previously featured four times earlier this season as a substitute.
Lewis was one of seven changes made to Pep Guardiola's starting lineup, with City already guaranteed to progress to the last 16 as Group G winners.
The Citizens headed into half time a goal down courtesy of a looping header into the far corner from Sevilla forward Rafa Mir just after the half-hour mark.
However, the Premier League giants restored parity seven minutes after the break, with Lewis receiving the ball from Julian Alvarez on the right side of the penalty area before rifling a strike into the roof of the net.
We have a new record holder!! 🤩
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 2, 2022
17-year-old Rico Lewis levels the scoring vs Sevilla to become Manchester City's youngest ever scorer in #UCL history!!
And what a goal it was... pic.twitter.com/9a8h70yoVQ
Alvarez then got his name on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute to put City in front, rounding Sevilla goalkeeper Bono and blasting a shot high into the net, before Riyad Mahrez secured the victory with a curling left-footed strike seven minutes from time.
Lewis came off in the closing stages to a standing ovation from the Etihad faithful, with the Bury-born teenager walking towards the bench with his head held high after a superb showing for Guardiola's side.
At the age of just 17 years and 346 days, not only has Lewis become City's youngest-ever goalscorer in Champions League history, but his second-half goal has also seen him become the youngest player since 2022 Golden Boot winner Karim Benzema (17 years and 352 days) to score on his first start in the competition.
Real Madrid star Benzema previously held the record for 17 years, after he scored on his first Champions League start for former club Lyon in a 2-1 home win against Rosenborg back in 2005.
What a night! 👊
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 2, 2022
🔵 3-1 🔴 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/4c1MuTPR3V
Speaking about Lewis and his goal after the match, Guardiola told BT Sport: "What a goal. He's a fantastic player, so intelligent. He understands everything. He made a fantastic goal and played really well."
"In the second half we put more people close to the box. In the first half they were a little bit wider."
The Spaniard added: "We struggled [in the first half]. In the first half the guys tried. Second half was better, really good goals. I'm happy for everyone.
"[Our young team] played in the Champions League against Sevilla, an experienced team. Good victory."
City remain unbeaten in this season's Champions League following the win over Sevilla, and they will discover who they will be facing in the last 16 when the draw is made next Monday.
Guardiola and co will now turn their attention to three more matches at the Etihad before the World Cup break, with an EFL Cup third-round tie against Chelsea next Wednesday sandwiched between two Premier League home fixtures against Fulham and Brentford.
Oliver Thomas
