Erling Haaland scores twice as Manchester City hammer Sparta Prague – Irvine Times

Phil Foden, John Stones and Mateus Nunes also struck as City broke Manchester United’s record for most consecutive unbeaten runs in the competition in a one-sided contest at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland’s brace took his tally to a remarkable 44 goals in 42 Champions League games, his first strike a gravity-defying back-heel after Foden had opened the scoring.

He then grabbed his 13th of the season with a smart finish as Stones headed in his third goal of the campaign before a late Nunes penalty wrapped up the game.

Three of City’s goals came in a brilliant nine-minute spell in the second half as Pep Guardiola’s side extended their unbeaten run in Europe’s elite competition to a record 26 matches.

It eclipsed rivals United’s previous best of 25 sets from 2007-09, with City’s only loss from the 2022 semi-finals coming on penalties following two draws against Real Madrid.

The win took them to seven points after three games in the league phase, setting them on course for the next phase.

They did not need to kick into top gear to overtake the Czechs and benefited from the absence of Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku, the latest additions to their pre-match injury list.

City got off to a flying start as Foden put them ahead after just three minutes.

The England international collected a pass from Manuel Akanji outside the box and drove forward, adjusting well to a strong touch to fire a low shot into the bottom corner.

City went close to a second soon after when Haaland rose to head home but Peter Vindal saved well from the right.

The home side generally dominated possession and sent plenty forward and were almost caught out when Angelo Preciado broke from deep and attempted a long-range shot but it went wide.

Sparta again turned defense into attack after Martin Vitik headed in another Haaland cross, and City substitute Stefan Ortega this time had to save Velko Birmancevic’s shot.

Foden went close again as he tested Vindal before curling in another effort, while Savinho also missed the target after weaving his way through the defence.

City thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Nathan Ake, who was starting for the first time of the season, scored from a corner but it was ruled out for handball by the Dutchman.

Almost inevitably, it was the prolific Haaland who put the game beyond doubt with a spectacular effort just before the hour mark.

Savinho created the chance with a clever run and cross from the right, but the Norwegian had a lot of work to do as he leaped with his back to goal and acrobatically slotted into the net.

Stones, the match-winner against Wolves at the weekend, then added another with a spinning header from a Nunes cross.

The onslaught continued as Haaland struck the fourth with a precise touch and finish from just outside the box at the end of a slick pass.

Haaland was hauled off soon after but City didn’t finish and Nunes added a touch of brilliance with a late penalty after being fouled by Preciado.