Erling Haaland maintained his phenomenal Champions League scoring rate with two more as Manchester City eased to a 5-0 win over Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
Phil Foden, John Stones and Matheus Nunes also struck as City broke a Manchester United record for the most consecutive games unbeaten in the competition in a one-sided contest at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland’s double took his goal tally to a remarkable 44 in 42 Champions League outings, his first being a gravity-defying backheel volley after Foden had opened the scoring.
He then claimed his 13th of the season with a smart finish after Stones had headed his third of the campaign, while a late Nunes penalty wrapped up the game.
Three of City’s goals came in a blistering 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 games.
That eclipsed the previous best of 25 set by rivals United from 2007-09, with City’s only loss since the 2022 semi-finals coming via a penalty shoot-out after two draws against Real Madrid.
The victory took them to seven points after three games of the league phase, putting them on course for the next stage.
They did not need to hit top gear to see off the Czechs, and made light of the absence of Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku, who became the latest additions to their injury list prior to the match.
City got off to a superb start as Foden put them ahead after just three minutes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/j8fXc2kGW0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 23, 2024
The England international took a pass from Manuel Akanji outside the area and drove forward, readjusting well to a heavy touch to fire a low shot into the bottom corner.
City went close to a second soon after when Haaland rose to power a header on target but Peter Vindahl saved well to his right.
The hosts typically dominated possession and sent plenty of men forward and they were almost caught out when Angelo Preciado broke from deep and attempted a long-range lob but it drifted over.
Sparta turned defence into attack again after Martin Vitik hooked clear from another Haaland header with City’s back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega this time required to push away Veljko Birmancevic’s shot.
Foden went close again as he tested Vindahl before curling another effort wide while Savinho also missed the target after wriggling through the defence.
City thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Nathan Ake, making his first start of the season, bundled home from a corner but it was disallowed for handball by the Dutchman.
Almost inevitably, it was the prolific Haaland who put the game beyond doubt with his spectacular effort just before the hour.
Savinho created the chance with a tricky run and cross from the right but the Norwegian still had much to do as he leapt with his back to goal and acrobatically flicked into the net.
Stones, the match-winner against Wolves at the weekend, then added another with a looping header from Nunes’ cross.
The onslaught continued as Haaland bagged the fourth with a neat touch and finish from just inside the box at the end of a slick passing move.
Haaland was withdrawn soon after but City were not finished and Nunes added gloss with a late penalty after being fouled by Preciado.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
Barcelona eye Musiala as summer targetBarcelona have reportedly identified Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala as a priority for their upcoming transfer plans, according to Sport. Musiala’s current deal with Bayern Munich runs until 2026, but reports suggest that the Bundesliga champions are already in negotiations for a contract extension. Whether Barcelona can tempt him away from the Al...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Chelsea 's back !!Chelsea 3-1 Wolves Arsenal watching Premier League teams copy their corner kick style. Respect for Antony THAT FINAL WAS SPECIAL! STREETS WON'T FORGET! Lamine Yamal is so young that he will be just 23 years old at the 2030 FIFA World Cup!Most of us will retire from our professions before Lamine Yamal retires from football. The GOAT Vs Sir Bobb...
Manchester United are still waiting for the sale which could act as the trigger point for a frenzy of January transfer activity at Old Trafford. And they could soon get it, with Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those heavily linked elsewhere.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted his side will take action in the market if the right opportunity presents itself, while Tottenham m...
Ferran Torres has pledged his commitment to Barcelona.The attacker is being linked with AC Milan this week.But ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica, Torres said: "I could say that I have learned a lot, with ups and downs. I have had some great moments and some not so great ones."It's been a very nice time and I have a lot of confidence in the club. The future? It will be here, playin...
Fabrizio Romano has provided CaughtOffside with an exclusive video update on the Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea story that has emerged today.In a new post for the Daily Briefing, Romano confirmed the stories about Chelsea’s interest in the Manchester United winger, whilst also reporting on Napoli being keen.Although Garnacho has mostly been an important player for Man Utd in the last couple o...
Manchester City have completed the signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov.City have agreed a deal worth €40 million ($41.6m) plus add-ons for the 20-year-old, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad Stadium.Khusanov, who has been handed the No. 45 shirt, is set to become the first Uzbeki to play in the Premier League."I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester Ci...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Liverpool leading race to sign Kerkez
- 6 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 7 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 8 Man Utd 'consider Jack Grealish transfer'
- 9 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 10 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband