Erling Haaland extended his record in the Champions League to 39 goals in 34 games as Manchester City advanced to the knockout round with a 3-0 win against Young Boys in Manchester on Tuesday.
The Norway striker scored twice, including a brilliant long-range effort in the second half, to move him to within two of City great Sergio Aguero’s total of 41.
Haaland opened the scoring at Etihad Stadium with a 23rd minute penalty and Phil Foden made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time.
The 23-year-old then fired into the top corner from the edge of the area six minutes after the break, before being substituted on the hour mark.
By then there was little doubt that City was on course for a 23rd straight home win in all competitions in a game that saw Young Boys reduced to 10 men when Sandro Lauper was sent off for high foot on City substitute Nathan Ake in the 53rd.
City’s defence of the Champions League is going smoothly. Pep Guardiola’s team extended its perfect record after four games in Group G and also extended its unbeaten home run in the competition to 28.
“If he, with his mates, win a lot of trophies, there will be chance to win it,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “If not, we won’t do anything.”
City defender John Stones was substituted at halftime because of a muscle problem and could be out for a while.
“It is a pity, it is bad news for us. I don’t know how long (it will be),” Guardiola said.
