Erling Haaland has made history as he became the fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals, achieving the feat in just 49 games during Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian striker surpassed Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous record of 62 matches, opening the scoring with a powerful header in the 56th minute. Haaland connected with a delicate lofted pass from Phil Foden, nodding the ball into the corner to put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead.
Ten minutes later, Jeremy Doku sealed the win with a fine individual effort, darting into the box before firing past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Napoli’s task was made more difficult after Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off in the first half for denying Haaland a clear goalscoring chance. Manager Antonio Conte was forced into a tactical reshuffle, which tempered the emotional return of Kevin De Bruyne to his former club. The Belgian, who rejoined City on a free transfer in the summer, was given a warm ovation by home fans as he stepped onto and later left the pitch.
City had threatened repeatedly before breaking through, with Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri both forcing strong saves from Milinkovic-Savic, while Josko Gvardiol’s curling effort went narrowly wide before halftime. Reijnders also saw an inventive backwards header drop just off target.
It was ultimately Haaland and Doku who provided the decisive goals to hand Guardiola’s men a perfect start to their European campaign.
Attention now shifts to the Premier League, where City face a major test away to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could be a pivotal clash in the title race.
