Raheem Sterling argued Gabriel Jesus should not be seen as just Sergio Aguero’s deputy as he insisted that Manchester City have two high-class strikers. Brazil international Jesus can be overshadowed by City's record scorer but drew level with him on 23 goals this season with the decider in Friday's <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/gabriel-jesus-impresses-pep-guardiola-as-manchester-city-stun-real-madrid-in-pictures-1.1060584">2-1 win over Real Madrid</a>. Jesus also set up Sterling’s opener before going on to become the first player ever to score in two victories over Zinedine Zidane’s Real in the same season. And Sterling led the praise for his fellow forward as he insisted Jesus is much more than just a replacement. “He’s not a sub, we’ve got two great strikers at this club,” the Englishman said. “Both strikers score goals and when you play with either one of them you know what you expect from each of them. They are both top players in front of goal. You saw from Gabby his calmness in front of goal was brilliant.” Pep Guardiola has invariably praised Jesus for his work rate off the ball and both of City’s goals at the Etihad Stadium stemmed from his willingness to press defenders. ________________ ________________ And Sterling added: “Against Real it was important to run our socks off and he’s always at the top of that list for doing that. He works for the team and always contributes. He’s been involved with both goals and I’m really pleased for him and happy we got the win.” Sterling’s early goal was his 100th for City and made him just the sixth Englishman to score 20 times in the Champions League. It puts him in elite company alongside Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Harry Kane. He said: “It’s a good achievement but now I want some more in the next couple of games, to keep progressing. But the most important thing is my goals count for something and hopefully at the end of the competition they can do.” City are waiting to discover if Aguero, who has not played since undergoing knee surgery in June, will be fit to feature as they head to Portugal for new knockout tournament to determine the Champions League, with one-legged quarter- and semi-finals. “It’s a new format and it’s one we are ready for,” Sterling said. “All we can do now is go over there and run our socks off. That will make the difference and decide whether we progress or not.” City face Lyon, the conquerors of Juventus, in Lisbon on Saturday. "They’re a great team and it’s going to be a difficult one,” Sterling added. “But I keep saying the same thing – there are teams in his competition with great quality. We have to keep up the energy and play our football.” Jesus spoke of his dream of winning the Champions League and his delight in scoring to eliminate a team with Real’s pedigree. “I felt pride,” he said. “Not just for the goal, obviously it's important, but pride for the opportunity of achieving my dream of playing this competition for this big club. There is also an extra pride for beating the kings of the Champions League. “We have to dream. I'm a dreamer and can picture myself with the trophy on my hands. But I know the reality is different, we have to work, to show our dedication. To win is the most important thing. As a group, we have matured from being knocked out of the previous Champions League editions. We've learnt to suffer.”