Erling Haaland stole the show with a stunning acrobatic goal as Manchester City stormed to a 5-0 victory over Sparta Prague on Wednesday, moving into third place in their Champions League group.
The Norwegian striker scored twice, including a spectacular backheel at shoulder height, as City dominated the Czech champions. Phil Foden, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes were also on target for Pep Guardiola’s side, who remain unbeaten across all competitions this season.
Sparta Prague had earned four points from their opening two group games, but City’s quality proved to be too much for the visitors.
Foden, who has struggled with fitness, made an early impact, scoring just three minutes in with a drilled effort after being restored to the starting lineup. Haaland had several chances in the first half, but Sparta’s goalkeeper Peter Vindahl kept the score down with some impressive saves, including a powerful downward header from Haaland.
However, Haaland eventually broke through with a jaw-dropping acrobatic strike, reminiscent of his famous goal for Borussia Dortmund two years ago, which won the Champions League goal of the season.
Stones, who scored a vital stoppage-time winner in the Premier League against Wolves on Sunday, continued his goalscoring form by nodding in City’s third goal from a Nunes cross. Guardiola joked, “When Erling is not available, John can play as a striker.”
Haaland completed his brace with a composed finish after a slick City counter-attack, bringing his Champions League tally to 44 goals in just 42 appearances. Although Guardiola substituted him late in the game, denying him the chance to complete a hat-trick, Nunes stepped up to blast home City’s fifth from the penalty spot after being fouled.
The victory extended City’s unbeaten run in open play to 26 Champions League matches, setting a new record for the longest streak by any club. Guardiola’s men now sit on seven points from their opening three group games, behind only Premier League rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa.