Match Report: Erling Haaland Hits Landmark Goal as Man City Beat Napoli | OneFootball

Manchester City Overcome Napoli in UEFA Champions League Opener

Manchester City began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, but the contest was far from routine. Goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku eventually secured the points, yet Pep Guardiola’s side were forced to be patient against a resilient Italian outfit reduced to ten men early on.

Haaland Hits 50 Champions League Goals

The night belonged to Erling Haaland, who wrote another chapter in his growing European legacy. With a deft header in the 56th minute, he became the fastest player ever to reach 50 goals in the UEFA Champions League, needing only 49 appearances to do so. “Home” has been the word associated with Kevin de Bruyne’s return to Manchester, but on this occasion the Belgian was limited to just 26 minutes, withdrawn as Guardiola adjusted after Napoli’s dismissal.

That dismissal arrived in the 21st minute when Giovanni Di Lorenzo brought down Haaland as the last defender. The red card transformed the balance of the match, forcing Napoli into a defensive shell while conceding possession and territory to the home side.

Napoli Resistance Led by Milinkovic-Savic

Despite being down to ten men, Napoli had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping them in contention. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic produced a series of excellent saves throughout the first half, denying Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden and Rodri with quick reflexes and strong hands. He also managed to keep out headers from Nico O’Reilly and Ruben Dias, while somehow clawing Reijnders’ deflected effort off the line.

City’s control of the game was clear but frustration grew with every opportunity spurned. Guardiola’s players peppered the goal, yet Napoli’s resistance and their goalkeeper’s defiance ensured the scoreline remained goalless at the break.

Second Half Breakthrough

The breakthrough, however, felt inevitable. Eleven minutes into the second half, Foden drifted into space before clipping a delicate pass into Haaland’s path. The Norwegian met it perfectly, his header finally breaking Milinkovic-Savic’s resistance. From that moment, City’s authority became absolute.

Doku then underlined his growing influence in Guardiola’s squad. With quick feet and direct running, he slotted home in the 65th minute to make it 2-0. His strike not only sealed victory but also dampened the return of former Manchester United players Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, both of whom endured a disappointing evening back in the city.

City’s Early Statement

For Manchester City, the victory was not simply about three points. It was about reaffirming their status as one of the strongest contenders in this season’s UEFA Champions League. Guardiola will reflect on the chances missed and the brilliance of Milinkovic-Savic, but he will also take satisfaction from the control and eventual composure his side displayed.

Napoli, meanwhile, leave Manchester with regrets, particularly the dismissal of their captain so early in the contest. Yet they also depart with credit for the resilience shown in adversity, and in Milinkovic-Savic they appear to have a goalkeeper capable of making a significant impact in Europe this season.