October 23rd 2024.
The game was off to a great start for Manchester City as Erling Haaland scored two goals in a dominant display against Sparta Prague. But it was not just the goals that had everyone talking, as Haaland's teammate Phil Foden revealed what he said to him after his incredible goal.
Pep Guardiola's team effortlessly secured a 5-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, maintaining their unbeaten record in the Champions League. This victory also kept them in close pursuit of early joint-leaders Aston Villa and Liverpool.
The Champions League match started off with a bang, with Foden scoring a beautiful goal in just three minutes. However, City was unable to extend their lead before halftime. But after the break, the floodgates opened, with Haaland scoring twice and John Stones and Matheus Nunes also getting on the scoresheet.
Haaland's first goal was a moment of pure magic, as he cleverly turned home Savinho's cross with an acrobatic backheel volley that left his teammates in awe. Even Bernardo Silva was seen with his hands on his head in disbelief, and Foden joked that he would have pulled his groin if he had tried to attempt such a daring move.
Foden also revealed that this was not the first time he had seen Haaland score a goal like this, as he had witnessed a similar one when Haaland played for Borussia Dortmund. Nunes also paid tribute to Haaland's amazing goal, saying he was speechless after witnessing it live.
Haaland's goal tally in the Champions League now stands at an impressive 44, inching closer to Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 141 goals. Guardiola was in awe of Haaland's goal, describing him as a "statue" on the field due to his height and flexibility. This goal was reminiscent of Haaland's goal for Dortmund a few years ago, and Guardiola couldn't decide which one was more difficult.
Guardiola also praised Haaland's speed and noted that he is often surrounded by five or six players due to his ability to break through defenses. He was pleased with his team's performance overall, acknowledging that Sparta Prague surprised them by defending so deep.
Foden, who was named Premier League Player of the Season last year, was happy to contribute to the team's victory after a slow start to the season. He acknowledged the pressure he puts on himself to perform at a high level and hopes to replicate his consistency from last season.
As defending champions, Manchester City will now turn their attention to the Premier League, facing Southampton on Saturday. And with their unbeaten record in the Champions League intact, they will be looking to continue their impressive form in the domestic league as well.
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