Erling Haaland left his Manchester City teammates stunned, with Pep Guardiola praising his “fantastic” backheel volley during their commanding victory over Sparta Prague.
Haaland netted City’s second goal just before the hour mark at the Etihad Stadium with a stunning acrobatic finish.
The goal was the first of two on the night for the 24-year-old, taking his tally to 13 goals for the season and 44 goals in 42 UEFA Champions League appearances.
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Haaland stuns with wonder-goal
Even by the Norwegian’s high standards, this goal stood out. He timed his run perfectly, launching himself into the air to meet Savinho’s cross with a backheel volley, sending the ball past Sparta goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen.
Watch goal as shared by Rex on X:
Puskas came early.
What a goal from Erling Haaland pic.twitter.com/qVVb7ehODW
— Rex (@MCFC_Rex) October 23, 2024
The former Dortmund man had looked frustrated for much of the match, but Guardiola revealed he had told Haaland to stay patient, assuring him that chances would come against their Czech opponents.
Phil Foden, who opened the scoring just three minutes in, couldn’t hide his admiration for the 6ft 4in striker’s flexibility.
“If I tried to do that I’d pull my groin,” Foden joked.
“I don’t know how he did it, I just think it’s his long legs. He’s a freak, isn’t he? I’ve seen him score one similar against Borussia Dortmund,” he added.
The victory takes City to seven points after three matches in the Champions League’s league phase.
See also:
Back with a Bang: Victor Osimhen scores a spectacular overhead kick goal on injury return
