What Stefan Ortega told Rodri at half-time that led to Man City goal vs Crvena Zvezda

Stefan Ortega told Rodri to shoot low against Red Star Belgrade goalkeeper Omri Glazer after noticing the 27-year-old was more focused on stopping the aerial threat.

Rodri, the hero of June’s Champions League final, scored in the 73rd minute to open up a two-goal gap in the 3-1 win. Red Star initially took a shock lead on the stroke of half-time before a Julian Alvarez double after the break turned the game on its head for City.

Rodri made sure of the win with a cool finish, effectively passing the ball beyond the outstretched hand of Glazer, who had a brilliant night but for his missed punch for Alvarez’s second.

Ortega, who remained on the bench, had let his teammates know of what he noted about Glazer, which ultimately contributed towards City’s third goal. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Rodri said: “Sometimes you don’t have to hit it strong.

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“I remember Stefan (Ortega) told me at half-time that [Glazer] was always paying attention to what was in the air and wasn’t down to the sides of the goal. So good advice!”

Asked about his eye for goal, Rodri added: “I think it’s something that has come natural to a player. I know it’s not my role but I feel that the way they defend, we can drop in the areas and give us time to the midfielders and the second line.

“It’s something I’m trying to work on and grow. It’s not my biggest quality but I can help the team in some moments.”

Rodri is touted as one of, if not the, best defensive midfielder in the world and put in another commanding performance against Red Star. He admitted his role is something that was years in the making and that he feels a different person