Manchester City kicked off their Champions League campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, as Erling Haaland etched his name deeper into football history.
Red Card Turns Tide
The match shifted decisively when Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo received a straight red card in the first half after a VAR review confirmed his dangerous challenge on Haaland. The dismissal forced manager Antonio Conte into an early tactical reshuffle, including withdrawing former City icon Kevin De Bruyne to bolster defensive numbers.
Haaland's Landmark Moment
The Norwegian striker broke the deadlock with a delicate header in the second half, capitalizing on Phil Foden's inventive chipped pass. The goal marked Haaland's 50th Champions League strike in just 49 appearances – smashing Ruud van Nistelrooy's previous record of 62 games to reach the milestone.
"In smaller spaces, he's unstoppable," praised Pep Guardiola about matchwinner Jeremy Doku, who doubled City's lead with a mazy solo effort shortly after Haaland's opener.
Statistical Dominance
- Haaland now has 130 goals in 151 City appearances across all competitions
- City registered 16 first-half shots despite Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic's heroics
- Foden earned Player of the Match honors for his creative influence
Looking Ahead
The victory extends City's strong start to the season, with Guardiola noting improved "body language and composure" from his team. They now turn focus to Sunday's Premier League showdown against Arsenal, where Haaland will seek to extend his remarkable tally of 12 goals in seven club and country appearances this term.
For Napoli, Conte admitted the red card "ruined the game," but refused to criticize his players' effort against overwhelming odds.
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