At halftime, players are now clamoring for Erling Haaland’s shirt because of his exceptional skill.
With two games remaining, Manchester City and RB Leipzig advanced to the Champions League knockout stages thanks to the Norwegian’s two goals, but the buzz of the town was the unanticipated shirt change.
As they left the field at halftime, with City leading an out-of-depth Young Boys 2-0, visiting captain Mohamed Ali Camara begged Haaland for his shirt. The striker performed as requested, although seeming to tell him “you cannot do this” at the time.
“It’s 100% not there. Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist expressed shock at Camara’s antics on TNT Sports, saying, “That’s embarrassing.” Social media users were equally shocked by Camara’s behavior.
However, McCoist remarked, “To be fair, I’d be asking for his jersey after that,” as Haaland scored a spectacular goal from 20 yards out just after the half. He is an automaton.
Raphael Wicky, the coach of Young Boys, expressed his surprise and said he would speak with his captain for a “few words.”
Haaland never ceases to amaze with his scoring prowess.
Now, in 34 Champions League games, he has scored 39 goals.
The Norwegian striker, who is only 23 years old and in his fifth season of competition, is already ranked 20th in all-time scoring.
Since joining City, he has scored just as many goals. Since joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer, he has broken numerous records with 67 goals in 70 appearances.
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, said on TNT of Haaland after he scored just his third goal for City from beyond the box: “He is frightening.”
“If he starts adding scoring from long range to his game, he is becoming impossible to mark.”
Nottingham Forest was the last English team to successfully defend the European Cup in 1980. No English team has ever kept the Champions League trophy. The powerful Blues intend to leave more history in their wake.
With this easy victory, the English club that won the championship the previous season, the Treble winners, have now gone 18 games without losing in Europe, which is the fifth-longest streak of any team since the Champions League era started in 1992.
More than a year ago, on October 25, 2022, they were held scoreless by Borussia Dortmund in a Champions League encounter that took place in Germany.
Only Real Madrid has won the premier European club title in football throughout the Champions League era, therefore it’s no simple feat. In Europe’s premier league, just eight teams have ever successfully defended their title.
According to McCoist, Guardiola’s team might become the second since 1992.
He stated: “I assumed they would be sad to lose [Riyad] Mahrez. Although they appear to be as powerful as ever, I had imagined they would miss [Ilkay] Gundogan.
It is improbable that City would not do it. They have an excellent coach, fantastic players, and a fantastic team. They sometimes have it so easy.”
Etihad Stadium has become a stronghold for City in 2023. They have already won 23 games in all competitions since they have won every home game this calendar year.
Since 1891 and 1892, Sunderland has won 24 straight home games, setting an English record. At the Etihad, Liverpool is the following game.
“The word that defines this group of players for many years is the consistency,” Guardiola stated. “I am aware of how consistently better the competitions grow.
“We have high standards, which is why we qualified from the Champions League and are still in the Premier League.” Sure, the group stage is simple, people say, but you have to go through it.
“In life, you have to fulfill obligations when they are placed on you. Two matches remain. Leipzig is the most formidable opponent in this group, so we must strive for a higher finish. It is crucial to have the second game’s weapon at home rather than away in the round of sixteen.”
“It is a mentality thing now for Manchester City to pursue greatness,” Ferdinand continued. They won’t acknowledge their victories and will instead create new goals. It can be mentally taxing and challenging. They’ll have a manager who will establish the guidelines.
“Real Madrid has that connection to the competition, and Bayern’s forward line can pose a threat to anyone.” However, I don’t think anyone can compare to Man City in terms of totality. The only team that I perceive to be whole is this one.”
