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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called Erling Haaland “incredible” as the striker bagged a brace against Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
City swept aside their Czech opponents 5-0 at the Etihad to set a new Champions League record of 26 games unbeaten.
Haaland scored twice in the second half – including a sensational, acrobatic effort – with Phil Foden, John Stones and Matheus Nunes also on the scoresheet to ensure a comfortable night for the 2023 winners.
The win moves City ahead of fierce rivals Manchester United, who went 25 Champions League games without defeat between 2007 and 2009.
Man City have broken Man United’s record for longest unbeaten run in Champions League history (26) 📈 pic.twitter.com/u8sDPjArEQ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Guardiola’s side were firm favourites going into the tie and quickly asserted their superiority by taking the lead inside three minutes courtesy of Foden’s skillful run and finish.
From there it was one-way traffic but Guardiola appeared far from satisfied with his side’s showing in the first half.
However, the hosts heed their boss’ warning and made their dominance pay after the break, grabbing four goals in the second period to claim a convincing victory.
Guardiola told TNT Sports: “We were playing good and conceding nothing for 90 minutes. But I did not expect Sparta Prague to defend so deep because of the games against Salzburg and Stuttgart they played offensively.
“They defend so deep it’s difficult but the moment we broke the game with 2-0 it was better.”
The City boss was quick to praise the goalscoring talents of his number nine, who now moves level with Didier Drogba on 44 Champions League goals.
On Haaland’s first goal, Guardiola said: “It’s unbelievable. He’s so tall and so flexible. I like it, he has this sense of humour. He scored a similar one against Dortmund a few years ago. I don’t know which one is more difficult, you’ll have…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/champions-league/guardiola-hails-incredible-haaland-as-manchester-city-set-champions-league-record/
Author : George Nash
Publish date : 2024-10-23 22:07:29
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