Haaland’s record-breaking 50th Champions League goal inspired Manchester City to a 2-0 win over Napoli, who were reduced to 10 men early on.
Erling Haaland became the fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals as Manchester City opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian striker, achieving the milestone in just 49 appearances, headed home in the 56th minute from Phil Foden’s assist before Jeremy Doku doubled the lead nine minutes later. Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo had earlier been sent off for hauling down Haaland as the last defender.
Kevin de Bruyne’s much-anticipated return to Manchester was short-lived, with the Belgian withdrawn after just 26 minutes to adjust for the red card. Despite City’s dominance, Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic produced a series of stunning first-half saves, frustrating Pep Guardiola’s side until Haaland broke through.
The victory marked Guardiola’s 17th Champions League campaign start, as City aim to improve on last season’s disappointing early exit. Napoli, meanwhile, extended their winless run in England to 13 European matches.