Champions League Thursday: Manchester City See Off 10-Man Napoli, Barcelona Edge Newcastle
Manchester City 2-0 Napoli
Erling Haaland reached 50 UEFA Champions League goals in record time as Manchester City beat 10-man Napoli 2-0 at the Etihad. The Norwegian striker achieved the milestone in just his 49th appearance, ensuring Pep Guardiola’s side began their league phase campaign with back-to-back wins.
The match turned after 17 minutes when Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off following a VAR review for his foul on Haaland. City pressed forward, but Vanja Milinković-Savić produced superb saves to deny headers from Nico O’Reilly and Joško Gvardiol, as well as stopping a Matteo Politano own goal attempt in first-half stoppage time.
Despite early frustrations, the breakthrough came 11 minutes after the restart. Rodri played in Phil Foden, who chipped a cross into the box for Haaland to loft a header over the goalkeeper and register his landmark strike. Ten minutes later, Jérémy Doku weaved through the Napoli defence before calmly finishing to double City’s lead and net his first of the season.
Napoli defended resolutely in the closing stages, but the Italian champions never recovered from the red card setback. City, meanwhile, claimed only their second win in eight UCL games, but crucially recorded consecutive victories for the first time this season. Napoli’s long wait for a win on English soil continues, with their record now standing at 13 unsuccessful visits.
Newcastle United 1-2 Barcelona
Marcus Rashford struck twice as Barcelona defeated Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park, extending the Catalans’ strong record against English sides to 13 wins in their last 17 Champions League meetings.
Newcastle started with intensity, roared on by a passionate home crowd. Anthony Elanga’s cross somehow evaded Anthony Gordon, while Harvey Barnes saw his effort saved before being flagged offside. At the other end, Rashford’s early chance was wasted with a weak finish.
The first half saw Newcastle disrupt Barça’s rhythm with their physical approach, though Pedri began to impose himself as the interval approached. Yet clear chances were scarce, with Raphinha firing a free-kick well wide.
The game opened up after the break, and Rashford made the difference. On the hour, he headed in Jules Koundé’s cross for Barcelona’s opener – their first effort on target. Nine minutes later, the Manchester United loanee unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner for his 10th goal in 12 career starts against the Magpies, silencing the home support.
Newcastle rallied, and Bruno Guimarães tested goalkeeper Joan García before Gordon netted in the 90th minute from Jacob Murphy’s cutback to spark late hope. However, Barcelona held firm to secure the points, leaving Eddie Howe’s side with just one win in five matches across all competitions.