IT was a dramatic night of UEFA Champions League football on Thursday as Manchester City and Barcelona claimed crucial opening group-stage wins with Erling Haaland and Marcus Rashford taking centre stage in England.
At the Etihad Stadium, Erling Haaland etched his name further into European football history by becoming the fastest player ever to score 50 Champions League goals.
The Norwegian striker’s milestone came in just 49 appearances, breaking previous records with an effortless looping header that put Manchester City on course for a 2-0 win over Napoli.
City took full advantage of an early turning point when Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off in the 21st minute after a VAR review overturned the referee’s initial call.
The dismissal changed the complexion of the match, forcing Antonio Conte’s Napoli into a defensive reshuffle that included the sacrifice of Kevin De Bruyne, who was making an emotional return to Manchester City just months after leaving the club.
Despite Napoli’s resistance with goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic producing a string of superb saves, City eventually broke through. Phil Foden provided the assist for Haaland’s record-setting header before Jeremy Doku sealed the result with a dazzling solo effort, gliding past three defenders and slotting coolly under the goalkeeper.
City, who had a shaky start to their Premier League campaign, look to have rediscovered their rhythm ahead of a mouthwatering clash with title rivals Arsenal at the weekend.
Meanwhile, in the north of England, Marcus Rashford lit up St James’ Park with a sensational brace to earn Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in a game that evoked memories of their iconic 1997 clash.
Returning to England after a turbulent spell at Manchester United, Rashford looked rejuvenated under Hansi Flick. He struck twice in quick succession, first with a powerful header from Jules Kounde’s cross in the 58th minute, and then with a stunning solo goal from 25 yards that left Nick Pope stranded.
Newcastle rallied late, with Anthony Gordon pulling one back in stoppage time, but Barcelona held firm to begin their campaign on a winning note.
For Rashford, these were his first Champions League goals since 2021, and they could mark the start of a personal revival after a difficult few seasons.
With Haaland and Rashford firing, the opening matchday of this year’s Champions League served up a thrilling reminder of why the competition remains football’s grandest stage.
