Manchester City F.C. Thrashes AC Sparta Praha 5-0 in UEFA Champions League Group Stage Opener
Erling Haaland Scores a Hat-trick as City Dominates Czech Opponents
Manchester City F.C. began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over AC Sparta Praha at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland continued his impressive scoring form, netting a hat-trick to lead the English champions to a comfortable win.
Haaland's Impressive Performance
Haaland opened the scoring in the 37th minute, tapping in a rebound after a shot from Kevin De Bruyne was saved by Sparta goalkeeper Milan Heča.
The 22-year-old doubled City's lead just before half-time, heading in a cross from Joao Cancelo.
Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 52nd minute, scoring from close range after a clever pass from Phil Foden.
City's Dominance
Manchester City controlled the match from start to finish, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
The hosts had 72% possession and completed 682 passes compared to Sparta's 28% possession and 223 passes.
City also had 20 shots on goal compared to Sparta's 3, with 11 of City's shots on target.
Other Scorers
In addition to Haaland's hat-trick, Riyad Mahrez and Julián Álvarez also got on the scoresheet for Manchester City.
Mahrez made it 4-0 in the 75th minute, converting a penalty after Haaland was fouled in the box.
Álvarez added the fifth goal in the 87th minute, finishing off a counter-attack with a clinical strike.
Conclusion
Manchester City's emphatic victory over AC Sparta Praha was a statement of intent from the Premier League champions.
With Haaland leading the line, City will be confident of making a deep run in this season's UEFA Champions League.
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