Erling Haaland ended his Champions League goal drought as Manchester City extended their perfect start to the tournament with a 3-1 win at Swiss side Young Boys on Wednesday.
Haaland arrived in rain-lashed Bern without a goal in his previous five Champions League matches.
Manchester City’s Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder #16 Rodri during the UEFA Champions League Group G football match between Young Boys (SUI) and Manchester City (ENG) at The Wankdorf Stadium, in Bern on October 25, 2023. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
The City striker had scored 35 goals in his first 30 Champions League appearances and he got back on track in the competition with a second-half double at the Wankdorf Stadium.
Haaland’s penalty restored City’s lead after Meschack Elia had cancelled out Manuel Akanji’s second-half opener for the holders.
Switzerland defender Akanji’s first goal for City this season came on his return to his homeland, just days after he was sent off in the treble winners’ victory over Brighton in the Premier League.
Manchester City players react on the pitch during the UEFA Champions League Group G football match between Young Boys (SUI) and Manchester City (ENG) at The Wankdorf Stadium, in Bern on October 25, 2023. (Photo by GABRIEL MONNET / AFP)
Haaland struck again in the closing stages to wrap up the points and take him to 11 goals in all competitions this term.
Pep Guardiola’s side sit top of Group G after a third successive victory following their wins against Red Star Belgrade and RB Leipzig.
Young Boys’ players react on the pitch at the end of the UEFA Champions League Group G football match between Young Boys (SUI) and Manchester City (ENG) at The Wankdorf Stadium, in Bern on October 25, 2023. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
Another success against Young Boys at the Etihad Stadium next month would ensure City qualify for the knockout stages with two matches to spare.
