Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is clearly a confident man, but even he looked surprised by the moment of magic he produced as his team thrashed Sparta Praha in the Champions League Wednesday.
While the 5-0 win is somewhat routine given City’s domination in recent years, Haaland’s goal was anything but ordinary.
Already ahead after Phil Foden’s early strike, Pep Guardiola’s side was pushing for another goal to settle the nerves. Just when frustration seemed to be growing, up stepped the Norwegian superstar in the 58th minute.
The striker leaped into the air – with his back towards goal – and produced an acrobatic, backheel volley which bounced off the turf and into the corner of the net.
Even his own teammates were left scratching their heads at how Haaland managed to pull the finish off.
Haaland had scored a similar goal in the same competition against Borussia Dortmund two years ago, but his effort on Wednesday was arguably even more acrobatic.
“Yeah, against Dortmund, it was quite similar. For a human being, it’s not normal,” City boss Guardiola told reporters after the win.
“It’s unbelievable the talent this guy has. When Erling gets in behind, he is unstoppable.”
City star Foden was also left stunned by his teammate’s ability to score from seemingly any situation.
“I just spoke to him and said, ‘If I tried to do that, I’d pull my groin.’ I don’t know how he does it,” Foden told TNT Sports after the match.
“I think it’s just how long his legs are. He’s a freak. I’ve seen him score one similar against Borussia Dortmund, so it shows that he has this talent that no one else can do.”
Haaland doubled his tally for the night in the 68th minute with a fine finish, with John Stones and Nunes also on the scoresheet for City.
The team now moves up to third in the Champions League table, as it bids to win the club’s second European title.
