Published on 26.10.2023
Erling Haaland, who had been enduring a Champions League goal drought, ended his dry spell with two second-half goals, leading Manchester City to a 3-1 victory over Young Boys and maintaining the defending champions’ perfect record in the group stage.
Prior to this match, the Norwegian striker had gone five games, equivalent to 543 minutes, in the competition without finding the net, missing six other opportunities in the game against Young Boys. Haaland’s goal-scoring drought came to an end with a penalty and a powerful right-footed strike after City received an initial shock in Switzerland.
📥 New message from Manuel Akanji! 👋
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 25, 2023
🟡 1-3 🩵 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/v9aUBHl4VG
Despite missing numerous first-half opportunities, City took the lead with a goal by defender Manuel Akanji upon his return to Switzerland. However, the treble-winning team was immediately pulled back as Meschack Elia scored a remarkable chip over Ederson on the counter-attack.
Although City saw a Julian Alvarez goal disallowed by VAR due to a handball by Jack Grealish in the build-up, Haaland ultimately proved to be the matchwinner. He converted a penalty with just over 20 minutes left after Rodri was fouled and then netted a high finish in the closing minutes of the match.
This result means that City only needs one more win from their remaining three Champions League games to secure qualification for the knockout stages. The focus now shifts to Sunday’s Manchester derby against local rivals United, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports with a kick-off time of 3.30pm.
