Erling Haaland produced a moment of brilliance to help Manchester City maintain their unbeaten record in this season’s Champions League with victory against Sparta Prague at Etihad Stadium.
After being denied a couple of times by visiting goalkeeper Peter Vindahl, Haaland struck midway through the second half when he cleverly turned in Savinho’s cross with an acrobatic backheel volley.
Even Haaland looked surprised at the finish he had produced but it gave Pep Guardiola’s side some much-needed breathing space after struggling to put away chances following Phil Foden’s third-minute strike.
The England forward’s clinical finish into the bottom corner hinted at City going on to record a big win, but after Vindahl had superbly denied Haaland’s header and a second for Foden, they had to settle for a one-goal lead at half-time.
Haaland’s memorable strike sparked City into gear after the break and John Stones, who got the winner against Wolves at the weekend, added a third with a thumping header.
Haaland then got his second of the game with a curled finish to take his Champions League goal tally to 44 at just 24 years old.
The hosts then rounded off the win with a fifth in the final few minutes as Matheus Nunes slammed home a penalty for his first Champions League goal.
The final scoreline reflected the dominance Manchester City enjoyed and means they have won two and drawn one of their games in the Champions League so far this season.
BBC