Manchester City set a new Champions League record as they swept aside Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad on Wednesday.
City made it a record-breaking 26 games unbeaten over 90 minutes in the competition, courtesy of goals from Phil Foden, John Stones, Matheus Nunes and an Erling Haaland brace.
Guardiola’s side now move one ahead of fierce rivals Manchester United, who recorded 25 Champions League games without defeat under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2007 and 2009.
Champions League goals:
Haaland – 44
Drogba – 44
Neymar – 43
Del Piero – 42
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The UK has had four different Prime Ministers since City last tasted defeat in normal time in Europe, a run stretching back to September 2022.
And Guardiola’s team were on their way to extending that feat inside three minutes.
Foden, one of five players brought into the side following the 2-1 win over Wolves on Sunday, took the ball on the half-turn before gliding between two Sparta players and arrowing a left-footed strike into the far corner of the net.
From there, City predictably dominated possession, with the visitors, back in the Champions League after 19 years, seemingly content to get bodies behind the ball.
Stones, the matchwinner against Wolves, picked up a booking for a mistimed challenge on the halfway line after seven minutes before Haaland’s downward header drew a fine stop from Sparta goalkeeper Peter Vindahl.
The touch.
The quick feet.
The finish.
Phil Foden strikes first and gives Man City an early lead 
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On 35-minutes, Vindahl was again called into action when Foden unleashed another left-footed drive that the Danish stopper had to palm away.
Stefan Ortega in the City goal then had to be alert to keep out Veljko Birmancevic’s low strike in a rare…
Author : George Nash
Publish date : 2024-10-23 21:05:18
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2024-10-23 21:09:46
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