Guardiola substituted Lewis five minutes from time and he scored a goal.
Pep Guardiola admired the teenage star Rico Lewis as something special. The 17-year-old became Manchester City’s youngest Champions League goalscorer on Wednesday.
The right-back marked his first senior start by netting City’s equaliser as they came from behind to beat the Spanish giants 3-1 in their final Champions League group game. Man City have already qualified for the round of 16.
It was a sweet moment for the Manchester-born youngster, who took full advantage of an opportunity to play in the continuing absence of injured Kyle Walker.
“We don’t give presents because he is a Man City fan or from the academy,” said City manager Guardiola. “You have to earn it.
“But we’ve seen him since day one of pre-season. This guy has something special.
“Defensively he is aggressive and with the ball he is so good. Of course he has a lot to improve but the academy here is working amazingly.”
Lewis was substituted five minutes from time and, as he was on the far side of the field at the time, earned a huge reception as he walked around the field back to the bench.
“He made a standing ovation all the way round,” said Guardiola. “He played really good.
“He is 17 years old but he is so clever, so intelligent. You say something, he understands everything. I’m happy for him.”
Alvarez is also doing great. The Argentian scored one and provided the passes for the other two goals.
Guardiola said: “There is no one player in the locker room who is not happy for him. He is a special guy. He was patient and found the space and got the rewards he deserved.”
There had been little riding on the game with City already through to the last 16 as Group G winners.
Guardiola added: “Of course we had qualified but we finished well. For the money and the prestige it is good for the club. It was a good night for us, especially the second half.”
