Manchester City vs Sparta Prague Report

Scorers: Foden 3’, Haaland 58’, 68’, Stones 65’, Nunez 87’ (P)

Erling Haaland scored twice, including a stunning acrobatic finish, as Manchester City dismantled previously unbeaten AC Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The Norwegian’s double propelled him past Alessandro Del Piero and Neymar in the all-time UEFA Champions League scoring charts, further cementing City’s dominance in European competition.

First Half: Early City Dominance, Sparta Threaten Briefly

Sparta Prague arrived in Manchester unbeaten in eight UCL matches, but the Etihad proved an entirely different challenge.

Manchester City wasted no time asserting control, with Phil Foden opening the scoring just three minutes in. After receiving the ball from Manuel Akanji, Foden evaded Sparta’s defenders Qazim Laçi and Kaan Kairinen before curling a brilliant effort into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Though City dominated possession, Sparta Prague had a rare chance when a long ball found Veljko Birmančević one-on-one with Stefan Ortega, but the City goalkeeper tipped his low shot around the post.

City responded with continued pressure, but Sparta goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen made several key saves, including a crucial stop on Haaland’s towering header, to keep the scoreline respectable as halftime approached.

Second Half: Haaland’s Acrobatic Stunner and City’s Ruthless Finish

City thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Nathan Aké bundled the ball into the net from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for handball.

Undeterred, City soon found their second in spectacular fashion. Savinho floated a cross into the box, and Haaland soared through the air to execute a remarkable back-heel finish, leaving Vindahl no chance.

From there, City never looked back. John Stones added a third with a looping header from Matheus Nunes’ cross, and Haaland scored his second of the night after cutting inside his defender and curling a right-footed finish into the net.

Nunes then rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot after being fouled by Ángelo Preciado, blasting the ball into the top corner to complete a dominant performance.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s commanding 5-0 win over AC Sparta Prague showcased their European pedigree, with Erling Haaland once again proving why he’s among the UCL’s top scorers.

Sparta put up a brave fight but couldn’t keep up with City’s relentless attack. With this victory, City joined Aston Villa and Liverpool in an all-English top three of the UCL league standings, while Sparta Prague will look to bounce back in their next match against Stade Brestois.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Man City vs Sparta Praha | UEFA Champions League 2024/25