Txiki Begiristain return, stunning comeback and Enzo Maresca faith – Man City Academy notebook

Former Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain returned to the club this week, attending matches alongside his successor Hugo Viana. Meanwhile, manager Enzo Maresca demonstrated faith in youth by fielding academy graduates Floyd Samba, Ryan McAidoo, and Kaden Braithwaite in City's 5-1 Champions League victory over AEK Athens. Samba started the fixture after having scored twice on his full debut against Norwich City.

Manchester City Under-21s also staged an extraordinary late fightback to beat Stoke City 4-3 in Premier League 2. After trailing 3-0, goals from Xavier Parker, Teddie Lamb, Harrison Miles, and Dexter Oliver secured the win. Lamb also scored in an earlier 1-1 UEFA Youth League draw with AEK Athens.