Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called Erling Haaland “incredible” as the striker bagged a brace against Sparta Prague on Wednesday.
City swept aside their Czech opponents 5-0 at the Etihad to set a new Champions League record of 26 games unbeaten.
Haaland scored twice in the second half – including a sensational, acrobatic effort – with Phil Foden, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes also on the scoresheet to ensure a comfortable night for the 2023 winners.
The win moves City ahead of fierce rivals Manchester United, who went 25 Champions League games without defeat between 2007 and 2009.
Man City have broken Man United’s record for longest unbeaten run in Champions League history (26) 📈 pic.twitter.com/u8sDPjArEQ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Guardiola’s side were firm favorites going into the tie and quickly asserted their superiority by taking the lead inside three minutes courtesy of Foden’s skillful run and finish.
From there, it was one-way traffic but Guardiola appeared far from satisfied with his side’s showing in the first half.
However, the hosts heeded their boss’ warning and made their dominance pay after the break, grabbing four goals in the second period to claim a convincing victory.
Guardiola told TNT Sports: “We were playing good and conceding nothing for 90 minutes. But I did not expect Sparta Prague to defend so deep because of the games against Salzburg and Stuttgart they played offensively.
“They defend so deep it’s difficult but the moment we broke the game with 2-0 it was better.”
The City boss was quick to praise the goalscoring talents of his number nine, who now moves level with Didier Drogba on 44 Champions League goals.
On Haaland’s first goal, Guardiola said: “It’s unbelievable. He’s so tall and so flexible. I like it, he has this sense of humor. He scored a similar one against Dortmund a few years ago. I don’t know which one is more difficult, you’ll have to ask him.
“He’s incredible. All the time he understands the decisions, he’s so generous with the team. It’s an incredible joy to have him and Manchester City have this incredible player.”
Bernardo Silva was SHOOK seeing Haaland’s acrobatics 🤣 pic.twitter.com/NVKHVln4qO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Guardiola also praised the contribution of Stones, who found the net in consecutive games.
“I’m thinking about it when Erling is not available, I am going to play John as a striker,” joked Guardiola.
“I remember Gerard Pique at Barcelona, they have an incredible sense of goals like a striker.
“The composure, the ability. John has already scored a few goals and I’m happy for him.”
City named just five outfield players on the bench for the game, and Guardiola admitted that a small squad, over time, could be an issue.
However, he remained adamant that any side he does select will give everything for the shirt.
“It is what it is, we are who we are,” added Guardiola.
“To sustain with 14 or 15 players will be a problem. But it is better not to think about it. I know the players, how they are and hopefully the [missing] players can come back.
“We will play with 11 and I know they are going to do everything for the team.”
“Being the best player last year, that’s the standard I’ve set myself.” ✨
Phil Foden is looking to move up another gear after a brilliant performance 🏆
🎙 @ReshminTV pic.twitter.com/G9dmyVOWqt
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 23, 2024
Player of the match Foden also spoke to TNT Sports after the game: “It was important to get the win tonight.
“We had to remain patient and in the second half, we broke them down more and finished our chances.”
The England midfielder admitted he has started slowly this season but insisted his performances are improving.
He said: “It was very good for my confidence to score early. I’m going in the right direction. After being the best player last season, that’s the standard I’ve set myself and I want to get back there.
“I’m always putting pressure on myself to get better and push myself. The aim is to try and hit what I hit last year. And for the team we want to show that we’re still hungry for trophies.”
