Sure Win
Haaland is now among all-time top scorers. Throughout football history, there are always those special goals that kids try to recreate the very next day at school. Erling Haaland’s incredible backheel volley against Sparta Prague on Wednesday is one of those iconic moments.
After Phil Foden’s early goal, Manchester City was having trouble extending their lead. Then Haaland took center stage. Savinho crossed the ball at a tricky height and angle, but Haaland, without even glancing at the goal, turned his back and pulled off a stunning backheel volley, making it 2-0.
From that point, City ran away with the match. John Stones scored another goal, Haaland added his second, and Matheus Nunes scored a late penalty. However, Haaland’s first goal remained the biggest talking point.
Glenn Hoddle, a former England manager, called it an “amazing goal,” predicting that kids would be trying it all over the country. Haaland’s teammates were equally impressed. After the game, Foden joked that if he tried the same move, he’d pull a muscle.
This goal reminded many of one Haaland scored against Borussia Dortmund two years ago. However, the latest goal was even more remarkable since Haaland wasn’t even facing the goal when he struck the ball.
Haaland climbs the all-time top scorers list
With his two goals in this match, Haaland ended a brief two-game goal drought and climbed to 44 goals in 42 Champions League appearances. He’s now level with Didier Drogba on the all-time Champions League top scorers list.
Even Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola couldn’t hide his amazement, calling Haaland “so tall and flexible” and comparing the goal to the one he scored for Dortmund.
Although Haaland didn’t get a chance to complete his hat-trick, Guardiola wisely substituted him with 10 minutes left to avoid any risk of injury. Guardiola even joked that if Haaland were unavailable, John Stones could step in as a backup striker!
