Erling Haaland scored a memorable double as Manchester City ran riot with an emphatic 5-0 win against Sparta Prague
Haaland scored twice in 10 second half minutes after Phil Foden had given his side a first half lead.
John Stones and a Matheus Nunes penalty completed the scoring and a commanding victory for City.
Pep Guardiola was visibly unhappy at the break as his side controlled possession but only had Foden’s opener to show for their efforts.
However, Haaland opened his account with a memorable acrobatic finish which saw the ball loop over the goalkeeper.
The floodgates then opened with the Norwegian marksman netting an incredible team goal and Stones heading home a fourth.
To complete the victory, Nunes was fouled inside the box late on and dispatched the resulting spot kick.
City now have a Champions League record of 26 matches unbeaten – bettering rivals Manchester United, who went 25 without defeat.
The result leaves Guardiola’s side third in the Champions League table with seven points from their opening three matches – behind Liverpool and Aston Villa.
City host Southampton on Saturday (15:00 UK time) in the Premier League.
Talking Point – Haaland unstoppable as City dominate opponents
After two kinder games in their Champions League return, Czech champions Sparta Prague were given a rude awakening at the Etihad.
City had 80% possession and capitalised with a second-half onslaught.
Visiting goalkeeper Peter Vindahl had kept City largely at bay following Foden’s equaliser until Haaland hit his stride.
The Norwegian striker scored a spellbinding goal to double his side’s lead with an acrobatic effort.
Player of the match (Matheus Nunes)
The former Wolves midfielder was yet to score in the Champions League going into tonight’s game.
While Foden and Haaland took the early plaudits, it was Nunes who was playmaker throughout.
The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder kept his game largely simple but effective as the floodgates opened.
Nunes was rewarded for his exploits late on, dispatching a penalty which he had earned by driving into the box.
Player Ratings
Manchester City: Ortega 7, Lewis 8, Stones 8, Akanji 7, Ake 7, Silva 7, Gundogan 7, Nunes 9, Savinho 8, Haaland 8, Foden 8. Subs: Dias 7, Gvardiol 7, Kovacic 7, McAtee 8, O’Reilly 7
Sparta Prague: Vindahl 8, Vitik 6, Panak 6, Sorensen 6, Preciado 7, Laci 6, Kairinen 6, Rynes 6, Birmancevic 6, Olatunji 6, Haraslin 6. Subs: Danek 6, Krasniqi 6, Rrahmani 6, Solbakken 6, Wiesner 6
Match Highlights
3 – GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 1 (FODEN) SPARTA PRAGUE 0: Within three minutes Foden receives the ball and then finds a gap between two midfielders before sliding his finish past the diving goalkeeper.
49 – NO GOAL FOR AKE: Foden’s corner has Sparta in all kinds of trouble. The ball is flicked on for Haaland at the back stick who finds Ake to bundle home. However, the ball has come off Ake’s wrist and VAR rules the effort out for handball.
58 – GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 2 (HAALAND) SPARTA PRAGUE 0: Once again Savinho sends an inviting ball looking for Haaland, who out of nowhere performs an outrageous flying kick. The ball bounces off the surface and over the helpless goalkeeper.
65 – GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 3 (STONES) SPARTA PRAGUE 0: City are out of sight as a curling Nunes ball into the box is met by Stones, whose header loops back across the goalkeeper and into the net.
68 – GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 4 (HAALAND) SPARTA PRAGUE 0: City break quickly, opening up Sparta Prague with Lewis to Stones and then Savinho, before Haaland slots the ball home.
88 – GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 5 (NUNES) SPARTA PRAGUE 0: Nunes drives into the box and has his legs taken away by Preciado. The referee points straight to the penalty spot. Up steps Nunes, who slams the ball home emphatically.
Key Stats
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