UCL: Haaland sets record in Man City’s win over Napoli

Erling Haaland etched his name into Champions League history as Manchester City opened their campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. The Norwegian striker became the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition, achieving the feat in just 49 appearances.
The match’s turning point came early, when Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off in the 19th minute for hauling down Haaland on the edge of the box. Initially overlooked by referee Felix Zwayer, VAR intervention led to a red card that left Napoli with ten men.
Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional return to Manchester City—just four months after his departure was cut short after only 26 minutes. Napoli manager Antonio Conte substituted the Belgian to reinforce his defense following Di Lorenzo’s dismissal. De Bruyne received a heartfelt ovation from City fans in recognition of his decade-long service.
Despite Napoli’s resilience, City dominated possession and created several chances. Serbian goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic kept the visitors in the game with two stunning first-half saves, denying Nico O’Reilly and Tijjani Reijnders.
The breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute when Haaland headed in a clever assist from Phil Foden, marking his 12th goal of the season and his record-setting 50th in the Champions League. Just six minutes later, Jeremy Doku sealed the win with a dazzling solo effort, weaving through four defenders before calmly finishing.
City’s numerical advantage and relentless pressure proved too much for Napoli, who struggled to mount any meaningful response. The win not only gave City a strong start to their European campaign but also highlighted Haaland’s continued brilliance and Doku’s growing influence in the squad.
Rashford shines for Barcelona, Leverkusen and Frankfurt Impress
Marcus Rashford made a sensational Champions League debut for Barcelona, scoring twice to lead his side to a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. On loan from Manchester United, Rashford broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a sharp header from Jules Kounde’s cross. Just nine minutes later, he doubled the lead with a thunderous 20-yard strike that ricocheted off the crossbar—his first goals in the competition in nearly four years.
The 26-year-old, who featured for Aston Villa last season in Europe, was pivotal in Barcelona’s attack, especially with teenage star Lamine Yamal sidelined. England manager Thomas Tuchel watched on as Rashford’s clinical finishing silenced the home crowd. He was substituted ten minutes from time to a standing ovation from the visiting fans.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s decision to bench £69 million signing Nick Woltemade and start Anthony Gordon in a central role drew criticism. Gordon struggled to make an impact but managed a consolation goal deep into stoppage time.
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen played out a dramatic 2-2 draw against Copenhagen. Jordan Larsson gave the hosts an early lead, but Alejandro Grimaldo’s sublime free-kick leveled the score late in the game. Copenhagen thought they’d snatched victory with substitute Robert’s deft header, only for Pantelis Hatzidiakos to score an unfortunate own goal in added time.
In Frankfurt, Jonathan Burkardt starred with a brace as Eintracht Frankfurt thrashed Galatasaray 5-1. After Yunus Akgun’s early opener for the visitors, a Davinson Sánchez own goal brought Frankfurt level. Can Uzun and Burkardt turned the tide before halftime, with Burkardt adding another after the break. Ansgar Knauff capped off the dominant performance by rounding the keeper for the fifth.