Manchester City set a new Champions League record as they dismantled Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad on Wednesday night. The victory saw City extend their unbeaten run in the competition to a record 26 games, surpassing Manchester United’s previous mark of 25 set under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2007 and 2009.
City’s goals came from Phil Foden, John Stones, Matheus Nunes, and two from Erling Haaland, who continues to cement his place among the Champions League’s top scorers. Haaland’s brace brought his total to 44 Champions League goals, drawing him level with Didier Drogba.
The match began in dominant fashion, with Foden opening the scoring in just three minutes. The midfielder, one of five changes to the side that beat Wolves on Sunday, skipped between defenders and curled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. City then dominated possession, forcing Sparta to sit deep and defend.
Despite a few nervy moments in defense, City controlled the tempo. Sparta’s goalkeeper Peter Vindahl was called upon multiple times, making key saves from Foden and Haaland. City, however, went into halftime with only a 1-0 lead, and manager Pep Guardiola appeared frustrated by the lack of additional goals.
After the break, City responded to Guardiola’s concerns with an explosive second half. Haaland made it 2-0 with a stunning acrobatic backheel in the 58th minute, showcasing his extraordinary skill and poise in front of goal. Sparta had no answer for City’s attacking power, and within ten minutes, Stones added a third, heading in Matheus Nunes’ cross.
Haaland scored his second of the night in the 73rd minute, finishing off a slick passing move with a right-footed shot into the bottom corner. He was later substituted to a warm reception, missing the chance to complete his hat-trick.
City weren’t done, though, as Nunes won and converted a penalty in the closing moments to make it 5-0. The result capped off another commanding display, solidifying Manchester City as a dominant force in this year’s Champions League.
For Sparta Prague, it was a sobering experience, having come into the match unbeaten in this season’s competition. For City, the emphatic win only reinforced their credentials as one of the top contenders for the title this year.