With a 3-1 victory over Swiss team Young Boys on Wednesday, defending champions Manchester City all but guaranteed their place in the Champions League knockout stage. Erling Haaland ended his goal drought with a brace in the second half, and Manuel Akanji scored on his return to his native country.
Despite their pre-game worries about playing on the slick artificial turf at rain-soaked Wankdorf Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s team managed three triumphs to retain their 100% winning record in Group G.
Guardiola said of the game, “It was outstanding,” to TNT Sports. I’m simply really, extremely happy with how we played; we still have to win two more games to win the championship mathematically.
On November 7, when City plays Young Boys again, at home, they have the opportunity to secure their place in the knockout stage.
Following Mohamed Camara’s tackle of Rodri in the box in the 67th minute, Haaland scored with a penalty kick to make it six goals in a row against the Champions League.
In the 86th minute, City’s prolific scorer added an incredible second goal when he switched from using his left foot to his right and sent it into the top corner.
After shattering other scoring records in the previous season, Haaland broke Kylian Mbappe’s record on Wednesday to become the youngest player to score 37 goals in the Champions League. The 23-year-old Norwegian striker completed the feat in 33 games.
“It is important that he gets the chances; the people desire him to fail,” Guardiola explained. “I am sorry however this guy will score goals throughout his entire life, with the chances he is an amazing threat… he is going to score till the last day he plays football.”
When Anthony Racioppi blocked Ruben Dias’s header off the crossbar and the Swiss defender swung his right leg high to boot it in three minutes after the interval, Akanji finally broke the scoreless first-half tie.
Four minutes later, however, Young Boys equalized through a brilliant pass from Meschack Elia that he scooped high over City goalie Ederson and into the net.
After their incredible run of first-half near-misses, which included Jack Grealish’s curling attempt that Racioppi dropped, Matheus Nunes was able to bundle the ball over the goal before Loris Benito dove to save it on the line. A goal for City appeared certain.
Defender Rico Lewis told TNT Sports, “That is how it goes, when you don’t take them opportunities it can be difficult.” “In the end, the forwards took their opportunities and we won the game.”
Julian Alvarez of City had a goal disallowed because Grealish handled the ball during the buildup, according to VAR.
After three games, Young Boys sits third in the group with one point.