Summary:
- Manchester City has set a ‘new European record with 26 undefeated games’.
- Phil Foden scored the opener while Erling Haaland netted an excellent second-half double.
- Matheus Nunes rounded off the perfect night for Pep Guardiola’s side from the penalty spot.
Manchester City made history once again by setting a new Champions League record for the longest unbeaten run, thrashing Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
With this victory, City extended their unbeaten streak in Europe to 26 games, eclipsing the previous record of 25 unbeaten games set by Manchester United from 2007-2009 though this is being disputed by many fans. Whilst also surpassing Real Madrid’s previous record of 32 unbeaten home games in the competition.
City’s only loss since the 2022 Champions League semi-finals came through a penalty shoot-out after two draws against Real Madrid last season which many would say counts as a defeat – so technically they haven’t beaten the record.
Spectacular Performance from Haaland
Phil Foden opened the scoring just three minutes in, showcasing his brilliance at a critical time when City were missing key players like Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku.
Foden cut inside and fired a low strike past Sparta Prague’s goalkeeper, Peter Vindahl, setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance.
Vindahl managed to deny Haaland’s initial attempts to double City’s lead, saving two of the Norwegian’s headers.
However, midway through the second half, Erling Haaland found the back of the net with an acrobatic finish, converting a cross from Savinho in spectacular fashion.
This goal broke open the game and marked the beginning of City’s scoring spree.
Three of Manchester City’s five goals came within an incredible nine-minute period, taking their dominance to new heights.
John Stones added to the scoreline by heading home from a Matheus Nunes corner. Just minutes later, Rico Lewis connected with Nunes to set up Haaland for his second goal of the night, bringing his total to 44 goals in 42 Champions League appearances.
Matheus Nunes capped off a perfect night for City by calmly converting a penalty late in the game, ensuring a 5-0 victory.
Guardiola Praised the Team and Haaland
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was pleased with his team’s performance.
He acknowledged the unexpected defensive approach from Sparta Prague, saying,
We were playing good. I didn’t expect them to defend so deep. They played offensively in their other matches but they defended so deep, it’s difficult.
The 53-year-old also added that once they “broke the game for 2-0, “it was fine“.
Guardiola also heaped praise on Haaland’s exceptional second goal, stating,
I saw it when the ball came in. It’s unbelievable. His stature. So tall and so flexible.
Manchester City’s relentless form and record-breaking achievements suggest they remain the team to beat in Europe. Can City claim a second title and remain ‘unbeaten’? Take a look at the Best Non UK Betting Sites for Players from the UK for a selection of the best odds.