One moment in time: The night Haaland followed in Cruyff's footsteps | OneFootball

For the latest instalment in our series recalling City's notable past meetings with upcoming opponents, we rewind the clock back to September 2022 – and one of the most unforgettable goals in recent Etihad history.

In the three and a bit years since Erling Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund – whom we play host to on Wednesday night in our latest Champions League phase fixture – Etihad supporters have become accustomed to goals galore from the Norwegian.

But even by Haaland's own lofty standards, the strike that secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against an impressive German side back in September 2022 was extra special.

Pep Guardiola’s side had initially found the going tough against a well drilled and talented Dortmund who had taken a 56th minute lead when Jude Bellingham glanced home Marco Reus' cross.

The Blues summoned up a timely response 10 minutes from time when John Stones lashed home a fine shot to restore parity.

With time fast running out, Haaland – pitted against his former colleagues for the first time after his move to City earlier that summer – suddenly took centre stage on 84 minutes.

The Norwegian plundered a sensational winning goal that displayed all of his attacking prowess, athleticism and eye for the outrageous in one unforgettable moment.

WATCH: City 2-1 Dortmund: Brief Highlights

The build-up itself was something special, Joao Cancelo whipping in an incredible pinpoint assist with a magnificent curling cross from the left flank with the outside of his foot.

But what happened next still defies belief even three years on.

Haaland illustrated all of his power, dexterity and sheer attacking hunger by first leaping high in the air before then instantly diverting Cancelo’s ball with an outstretched left foot volley past shell-shocked Dortmund keeper Alexander Meyer to seal a 2-1 win.

For admiring City boss Guardiola it was a special moment that carried echoes of an equally iconic strike by his footballing mentor and idol Johan Cruyff for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid back in the 1970s.

“The moment Erling scored that goal I thought ‘Johan Cruyff’ and the goal he scored at the Nou Camp,” Pep revealed immediately afterwards.

Not surprisingly, Haaland's effort would subsequently be voted the UEFA Champions League Goal of the Season.

WATCH: Erling Haaland: Who assisted me?

And for his part, Haaland admitted it deserves to be remembered as one of the finest strikes of his career.

“This is one of my best goals ever, to be honest,” Haaland reflected.

“It was a special goal I have to say. I scored a similar goal for Dortmund against Wolfsburg and I have been trying this in the last few games I have played for City and finally it worked so it was nice.

“I think I have really long legs, so that is how I reached the ball! It was a really good cross and, in the end, it was a really good goal I have to say.

“I am flexible, that is something that I work on and it turned out good.”