Manchester City Makes History with 5-0 Thrashing of Sparta Prague in Champions League

Erling Haaland delivered another stunning performance, scoring twice as Manchester City dominated Sparta Prague with a 5-0 win on Wednesday, keeping their unbeaten run in the Champions League alive. Phil Foden, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes also found the back of the net for Pep Guardiola’s side, who now sit third in their group with seven points from three matches. Sparta Prague have four points.

Manchester City extended their unbeaten streak to 26 consecutive Champions League games, surpassing Manchester United’s previous record of 25 matches set between 2007 and 2009.

Haaland stole the spotlight with an exceptional goal in the 58th minute, leaping to backheel a cross from Savinho into the net, sending the Etihad crowd into a frenzy. “I saw it as the ball came in—it’s unbelievable. He’s like a statue, so tall and yet so flexible,” Guardiola said. “I love his sense of humor too. Incredible.”

Matheus Nunes added, “That goal was amazing. I was speechless. I remember watching a similar goal against Dortmund on TV, but seeing it live was incredible.”

The 24-year-old Norwegian added a second goal in the 68th minute, calmly finishing another assist from Savinho, bringing his total to 44 Champions League goals in 42 appearances. Haaland now shares 16th place on the competition’s all-time scoring list with Didier Drogba, though Drogba needed 92 games to reach the same number.

Foden opened the scoring early for City, netting in the third minute after a pass from Manuel Akanji. Stones added to the tally in the 64th minute, heading in a brilliant cross from Nunes. Both Foden and Stones were pivotal in City’s recent 2-1 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Foden assisting Stones’ stoppage-time winner.

City’s dominance was clear throughout the match, as they racked up 22 shots compared to Sparta’s five, with 10 of City’s efforts hitting the target. Sparta Prague had a few counter-attack opportunities in the first half but were ultimately overwhelmed by City’s relentless attack.

Sparta manager Lars Friis acknowledged the challenge his team faced, saying, “We played against the best team in the world and some of the best players. We handled Haaland well until he scored a goal like that.”

City, who previously drew 0-0 with Inter Milan and defeated Slovan Bratislava 4-0, will next face Sporting in the new 36-team league phase, with the top eight teams advancing directly to the Round of 16.