Pep Guardiola remarked that Erling Haaland’s stunning goal during Manchester City’s 5-0 triumph against Sparta Prague was “not normal for a human being.”
In the second half, Haaland executed a spectacular back-heel volley while airborne, converting Savinho’s cross.
He netted another goal before being substituted, bringing his total to 44 goals in just 42 Champions League matches and elevating him to 16th place on the all-time scoring list.
“I didn’t know how he scored,” said Guardiola. “For a human being, I would say no [it’s not normal]. He made a fantastic goal.
“He can touch 15 or 20 balls but have seven or eight chances. It’s unbelievable.
“He made an incredible goal, similar to [Borussia] Dortmund a few years ago. I don’t know which one is more difficult but I would say both.”
Haaland’s Man City teammate Matheus Nunes was equally in awe.
“What an amazing goal. I was speechless after that,” Nunes told TNT Sports. “When he scored a similar goal against Dortmund I was watching on TV, so to see this live, it was amazing.”
Sparta Prague coach Lars Friis was also full of praise for Haaland, who has already reached 13 goals for the season.
“What can you say, he’s maybe the best striker in the world,” said Friis.
“He’s world class. We felt we had good hands on him but then he pops up with a goal like this.
“They are the best team in the world with the best players in the world.”
With this win, Manchester City climbed to third place in the Champions League standings, bringing them closer to the knockout stage as they prepare for upcoming matches against Sporting CP and Feyenoord.
Additionally, Guardiola’s team established a new record in Europe’s premier club tournament by remaining unbeaten in 26 consecutive matches—excluding shootouts—surpassing the previous record held by Manchester United from 2007 to 2009.
“We played really good again,” said Guardiola.
“I’m enjoying a lot the way we’re playing lately. We concede few, few chances.
“We create a lot, and we had to be so patient. We have five games left, and the target is to finish in the top eight. It’s a good advantage not to play in February.”