WATCH: Erling Haaland scores in UEFA Champions League with unorthodox finish

Even by his own standards, Erling Haaland's spectacular finish doubled Manchester City's lead over Sparta Prague during their UEFA Champions League match. After racing toward the byline and beating his opponent out wide, Savinho sent in a floating cross into the Sparta Prague six-yard box. Despite looking away from the goal, Haaland basically scored when he leaped into the air and made just enough touch with the ball through his heel.

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against Valencia in the 2013–14 season, in which the Portuguese legend struck while looking away from goal to save the match for Real Madrid, was strikingly identical to this one. To end the game for Manchester City, Haaland would add another ten minutes later. The 24-year-old has now scored 12 goals for the defending Premier League winners this season across all competitions.

AIRLING HAALAND#MCISPA #ChampionsLeague #ManCity #SpartaPraga #MCFC #ACSparta #UCL

pic.twitter.com/BdatRAUkWt

— Out Of Context Erling Haaland (@ErlingNoContext) October 23, 2024

Inside the Etihad Stadium, Phil Foden's incredible finish had put his team ahead in the first half. John Stones and a penalty kick from Matheus Nunes finished the scoring and gave City a decisive victory following Erling Haaland's brace during the second half.

As his team dominated possession although only had Foden's opening goal to show for what they had done, Pep Guardiola was clearly displeased at the half. However, a performance of this caliber versus Sparta Prague would more than satisfy them.

“We had more of the ball” : Matheus Nunes

Matheus Nunes spoke to the media after a brilliant performance against Sparta Prague. He gave two assists and slotted home a penalty late in the second half. His performance just showed the quality Manchester City have in their squad.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder said, “It makes it easier for us. We’ve had a couple of games now where we’ve conceded first and it makes it easier for the other team to defend with a low block. It made it easier for us, we had more of the ball, we were more calm and didn’t need to be in a rush to finish the place.”