Erling Haaland has written his name into the history books, becoming the fastest player ever to reach 50 Champions League goals.
The Manchester City striker hit the milestone in just 49 games during a 2-0 win over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous record of 62 matches. Haaland opened the scoring in the 56th minute, rising to head home Phil Foden’s precise lofted pass.
City doubled their lead ten minutes later when Jeremy Doku produced a brilliant solo run and finish to seal the victory. Napoli’s challenge had already been complicated by Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s first-half red card for denying Haaland a clear goalscoring chance.
The night also saw Kevin De Bruyne make an emotional return to his former club, greeted warmly by the home fans after rejoining City in the summer. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side created several chances before finally breaking through, with Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, and Josko Gvardiol all going close.
With a perfect start to their European campaign secured, City now turn their focus to a crucial Premier League showdown against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday — a fixture that could prove decisive in the title race.
