Did Haaland Make History in Man City's Win Over Napoli?
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Synopsis
In a stunning display, Erling Haaland not only led Manchester City to victory over Napoli but also made history by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the Champions League. This thrilling match saw City dominate, with key performances sealing a memorable opener.
Key Takeaways
- Erling Haaland sets a record for fastest 50 goals in Champions League.
- Manchester City displays tactical dominance over Napoli.
- Kevin De Bruyne's emotional return is cut short.
- Milinkovic-Savic makes several crucial saves for Napoli.
- City's attacking strategy proves effective with two goals.
London, Sep 19 (NationPress) Erling Haaland achieved yet another remarkable feat as Manchester City triumphed over Napoli with a score of 2-0 in their opening match of the Champions League. The Norwegian striker is now the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition, accomplishing this milestone in just 49 matches. Haaland headed in a brilliant pass from Phil Foden in the 56th minute to give City the lead. A second goal followed shortly after, with Jeremy Doku sealing the victory in the 65th minute.
This match also marked the highly-anticipated return of Kevin De Bruyne to the Etihad Stadium after a decade with the club. The fans welcomed him back warmly, but his appearance was cut short after only 26 minutes when Napoli's coach, Antonio Conte, substituted him following a red card issued to Giovanni di Lorenzo for fouling Haaland.
The game began with City quickly establishing control. The first major incident occurred in the 19th minute when Napoli was reduced to 10 men after their captain, Di Lorenzo, was sent off for a foul on Haaland, who was on the brink of scoring.
Although the referee initially allowed play to continue, a VAR review led to the red card being shown without hesitation. De Bruyne's emotional return to the pitch ended shortly thereafter as Mathias Olivera replaced him, and the Belgian was met with a warm and prolonged ovation from the fans.
City pressed for a goal, but Milinkovic-Savic's exceptional save in the 42nd minute denied Nico O'Reilly's header. He also thwarted a goal-bound shot from Tijjani Reijnders just before halftime.
The second half saw City continue their assault on the Napoli goal, and in the 58th minute, Haaland scored with a header from Foden's assist, marking his 50th Champions League goal in record time.
This goal was also his 12th of the season. With the floodgates open, Jeremy Doku added a second for City in the 62nd minute, showcasing his skill by dancing through four challenges before finishing precisely to confirm a dominant performance for City.
Point of View
I believe this match not only highlights Erling Haaland's exceptional talent but also reflects Manchester City's dominance in European football. The team's ability to capitalize on numerical advantages showcases their tactical prowess, while De Bruyne's emotional return adds a personal touch to the narrative.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Erling Haaland set during the match?
Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the UEFA Champions League, achieving this in just 49 matches.
How did Kevin De Bruyne's return to Manchester City play out?
Kevin De Bruyne received a warm welcome from fans upon his return but was substituted after just 26 minutes due to a tactical change following a red card issued to a Napoli player.
Who scored the goals for Manchester City?
Erling Haaland scored the first goal with a header, and Jeremy Doku added the second with a well-placed shot in the 62nd minute.
