Erling Haaland of Manchester City showcased another remarkable performance, scoring twice in a 3-0 Champions League victory against Young Boys, despite initial doubts about his participation due to an ankle injury. The performance brought him closer to breaking another record in his career.
Haaland has now accumulated 39 Champions League goals from 34 appearances, and he is on the verge of breaking the record for the fewest appearances required to reach 40 goals, which is currently held by Ruud van Nistelrooy, who achieved it in 45 games.
Although Haaland was the top scorer in Europe last season, he recently lost out to Lionel Messi for the Ballon d’Or award. When asked whether Haaland is putting together a season that could win the prestigious trophy next year, City manager Pep Guardiola responded, “If he, with his mates, can win trophies, there will be a chance to win it. If we don’t, he won’t win it.”
Manchester City, the defending champions, secured a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League with two group games still to play, guaranteeing a top-two finish.
Haaland’s first goal came from a penalty, while Guardiola described his second, a left-footed rocket from 20 meters, as “amazing.” Guardiola said that Haaland was given the green light to play after a training session, and added, “He feels good, okay. So he plays, the job was almost done, take a rest for next Sunday.”
Guardiola emphasized that while it’s an accomplishment to clinch a knockout berth with two games remaining, the team’s aim is to finish first in the group to ensure the second leg of the last-16 tie is at home. Guardiola said, “The job isn’t done; we have to finish first. We have a job to do, the first step to qualify is done. Really impressed, two fantastic goals.”
However, Guardiola expressed his concern about a potential long injury layoff for John Stones, who recently returned from a hip injury but was substituted after halftime in the match. “It’s muscular, will be a while out,” Guardiola said. “A pity for him, incredible professional. A pity and bad news for us.”
