Haaland just can't stop scoring in the Champions League!

FuF2...K3kG
7 Mar 2024
57

Erling Haaland continues to thrive in the Champions League, scoring once again as the defending champions comfortably advance to the quarter-finals.

Erling Haaland reclaimed the lead in the Champions League scoring charts, scoring in typical fashion as Pep Guardiola's team effortlessly defeated Copenhagen 3-1. The victory secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 aggregate score.

The Norwegian sensation skillfully controlled a cross-field pass from Rodri, overpowering a defender to calmly slot the ball into the net just before halftime. This marked his 41st goal in a mere 37 games in Europe's premier competition, propelling him into the top 20 all-time scorers in the Champions League, an impressive feat considering he's only in his fifth season.

Haaland's goal provided a valuable cushion for a significantly altered City lineup in what turned out to be a comfortably managed game. The team had an ideal start with a volley from Manuel Akanji, and Julian Alvarez extended their lead with a fortunate strike that slipped through the grasp of Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.

Following the Danes' impressive display, Mohamed Elyounoussi executed a brilliant one-two with Orri Oskarsson, curling the ball into the far corner to cap off a sweeping counterattack and score the standout goal of the game. However, just like in the previous derby against Manchester United, Erling Haaland secured a 3-1 lead, allowing his teammates to ease up in the second half with confidence in their guaranteed spot in the quarter-final draw. This goal also placed Haaland alongside Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane at the summit of the competition's scoring charts.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium


Goalkeeper & Defence

Ederson (5/10)

Conceded with the initial shot he faced but later denied a powerful attempt from Magnus Mattsson.

Rico Lewis (6/10):

Experienced better performances, including in previous matches of this competition, and faced some physical challenges.

Manuel Akanji (7/10):

Initiated the scoring with a clever volley from Alvarez's corner, marking his fourth goal of the season. Shifted to right-back when Stones came on.

Ruben Dias (7/10):

Expertly led the defense and was rewarded with an early break for his contributions.

Josko Gvardiol (5/10):

Struggled with inaccurate passes, prompting Guardiola to address the issue during a break in play. This wasn't the first instance, and it seems likely to be an ongoing concern.

Midfield

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

Seldom faced challenges but lacks the composure demonstrated by Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva. Substituted due to an apparent finger injury.

Rodri (7/10):

Dominant in the midfield, contributed to two goals, and was substituted at halftime for a well-deserved rest. Successfully fulfilled his role.

Mateo Kovacic (7/10):

Overcame an early harsh tackle to assert control over the game, assuming additional responsibility after Rodri's departure.

Attack

Julian Alvarez (7/10):

Assisted Akanji's opening goal and added his fifth goal of the Champions League season, although with some assistance from Grabara.

Erling Haaland (7/10):

Had a relatively subdued evening compared to his five-goal outburst at this stage in the previous season's competition. Nonetheless, he secured his customary goal, showcasing his physical prowess.

Oscar Bobb (7/10):

Continued to impress with a standout performance, adhering to his coach's instructions and going above and beyond expectations.

Subs & Manager

Sergio Gomez (5/10):

Had a rare 45 minutes on the field but struggled to make an impact, receiving limited touches of the ball.

John Stones (6/10):

Came on for Dias in the second half, contributing to City's control of the game.

Micah Hamilton (5/10):

Substituted in for Haaland in the 74th minute but couldn't contribute to the goal tally.

Jacob Wright (N/A):

Made his debut in the Champions League in the 87th minute.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

Implemented seven changes to the lineup that defeated United, yet his team maintained dominance on the field.

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