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Erling Haaland came up with an acrobatic stunner in the clash against Sparta Prague, helping his side register a 5-0 win over the counterparts in the Champions League. Besides Erling, goals by Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes, and John Stones further contributed towards the win. Haaland seized the stage just as it appeared that Manchester City was finding it difficult to add to an early goal by Phil Foden.
Haaland's goal strike came during the 58th minute and was quite a brilliant one. The Norway striker jumped into the air from about six meters out, with his back to the goal, and flicked the back of his foot, meeting Savinho's cross from the right. The ball struck the turf with a forceful heel-to-foot connection and rocketed high into the top corner past Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl. This was Haaland's 44th goal in his Champions League career. With this win, Manchester City now stands third in the league ranking. The team's 80% possession and 93% pass accuracy highlighted their outstanding performance.
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Football pundits heap praise on Haaland for classic goal
Even his teammates and football experts were amazed looking at the talent needed to produce the finale that Haaland did, and words hardly do it credit. Foden said in the pitch interview, "I just spoke to him and said, 'If I tried to do that, I'd pull by groin! I don't know how he does it. It shows he has this talent that no one else can do." The goal was similar to one that Haaland had scored in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund two years prior.
Ex-Manchester City defender and England captain Steph Houghton was amazed and praised Haaland's acrobatic goal. He said, "That finish was something else. He is the only striker in the world who can score from those positions."
Haaland adds more numbers to his goal cart
After failing to score in his first two games, Haaland's doubles ended his mini drought. He currently has 44 goals in 42 Champions League appearances, one goal ahead of Neymar and on par with Didier Drogba as the all-time best scorer.
At present, with 141 goals, Cristiano Ronaldo is leading as the top scorer in the top division of European club football. On 129, Messi comes in second. Haaland is currently 17th, closely moving towards these legends. If this continues, one can expect Haaland to add tons of goals ahead of upcoming Champions League matches.
