Outrageous Haaland lights up Champions League, Barca thrash Bayern, Liverpool win again
Acrobatic effort takes Manchester City striker to 21 goals from 23 games in Europe for Premier League club
We get used to professional athletes doing extraordinary things, it is what sets them apart from the rest of us mere mortals, even by those standards Erling Haaland is something else.
The 24-year-old could arguably be called the best player in the world at the moment, and the Ballon d’Or committee have a tough decision to make ahead of Monday’s ceremony, especially after Wednesday’s sensational effort in the Champions League.
Goal of the year
A scorer of great goals, or a great goal scorer? Erling Haaland is both and has been at it again in the Champions League, with a back-heeled effort from shoulder height one of two he scored in Manchester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Sparta Prague.
From around six yards and with his back to goal, Haaland leapt in the air and flicked the back of his foot to meet Savinho’s cross from the right. Connecting powerfully with his heel, the ball shot down into the turf and bounced high into the top corner beyond Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl.
The Norwegian took his tally to 21 goals in 23 Champions League appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, who remain unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Phil Foden, John Stones and Matheus Nunes were also on target. “I just spoke to him [Haaland] if I tried to do that I’d pull my groin,” Foden said. “I don’t know how he did it, I just think it’s just his long legs. He’s a freak isn’t he.”
Slot’s machine
Manchester City might be unbeaten in all competitions, but Liverpool have won 11 of their first 12 games under new boss Arne Slot.
