Manchester City thrashed Sparta Prague 5-0 in their Champions League clash thanks to a spectacular double from Erling Haaland, goals from Phil Foden and John Stones and a late penalty scored by Matheus Nunes
In the goalfest that is Erling Haaland’s remarkable career, the reverse-flick while airborne that beat Peter Vindahl while facing away from Sparta Prague’s goalkeeper is surely a glittering standout. It was Manchester City’s second, coming on 58 minutes, and Haaland’s nonchalant, whadda-you-expect grin illustrated precisely how impressed with his own work he was.
John Stones and Manuel Akanji knitted the play for the midfielder’s strike. Soon after they were backpedalling as Sparta broke along the right where Veljko Birmancevic had a shot blocked. Lars Friis’ men hoped to prosper on the breakaway, but had to be ruthless to do so. Sparta’s packed away end pogoed despite how City looked to eviscerate their side via 81% possession and the travelling faithful’s party nearly ratcheted up when Victor Olatunji raced into enemy territory. The forward sent a chip over Stefan Ortega but it was too high.
It was repelled and, after a fleeting bit of pinball around the six-yard box, City went close to being sucker-punched as, again, Birmancevic skated from his half toward goal. With Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis puffing behind as they tried to catch him, he aimed across Ortega, from the right, but the keeper tipped away.The highlights of what was left of the first half were a Foden attempt Vindahl beat out, and a Savinho twist-and-unload.
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