Savinho dedicates first Champions League goal to those close to him in heartwarming interview after Manchester City win | OneFootball

Manchester City winger Savinho has dedicated his first goal in the UEFA Champions League to his immediate family, speaking after the 3-1 win over Club Brugge.

The Premier League champions were forced to come from behind in European competition this week in order to progress past the initial league phase of the Champions League and avoid the embarrassing prospect of elimination from the competition.

Matters were far from straightforward however as Club Brugge fought to remain in the play-off places themselves, taking a slender 0-1 lead into the half-time interval and forcing Pep Guardiola into a rethink of his approach towards the match for the second period.

Savinho replaced Ilkay Gundogan for the second period of 45 minutes and his impact was noticeable from his very first touch, adding a much-needed directness and intensity to the play, as well as pace in wide positions.

The Brazil international would be rewarded for his efforts in chance creation with a goal of his own, taking down a cross-field John Stones pass inside the Brugge penalty area to strike home with his ‘weaker’ right-foot.

Speaking to reporters after the 3-1 comeback win over Club Brugge on Wednesday night, Savinho was keen to thank his family for the role they have played in his rise to the very top of the game so far in his career, culminating in his first Champions League goal.

“There’s nothing better than my first Champions League goal, to get subbed on, help the team. We were losing, we knew the result was winning, winning, winning and got the victory, which is most important,” said Savinho.

“I thank God for the opportunity he gave me… It hasn’t hit me I’ve scored my first Champions League goal but I have to thank God and the staff for the chance they gave me,” he continued.

“I want to dedicate it to my family, who have always dreamed alongside me, my wife, my daughter coming soon. I’m so happy.”

Asked what Pep Guardiola instructed towards him before entering into the action against Club Brugge, Savinho revealed, “He didn’t tell me anything, only I was coming on. I was already ready.

“I was [optimistic] on the bench. Also when team news came out, I concentrated on the game. I expected the opportunity and took it.”

But next up for Manchester City is a mammoth task in the play-offs for a last-16 place in the UEFA Champions League, with the club facing the prospect of a two-legged clash against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in February.

“If it’s Real Madrid or another, it’ll be a great match,” Savinho reacted. “If it’s Real Madrid, we’ll work a lot and see what professor Pep [Guardiola] has for us to play good and go through.”

Savinho’s showing in Europe may be enough to secure himself a starting place in Manchester City’s next game, as Pep Guardiola’s squad travel to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon for a huge contest in Premier League action.