Haaland stars as Man City sweep aside Sevilla

Man City proved why this season could be the year they finally win Europe's biggest club competition.They were far too good for Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and Haaland once again shone. The Norwegian scored after 20 minutes and the game was done as a contest when Foden made it two after 58 minutes. Haaland struck nine minutes later and then Ruben Dias put the icing on the cake in added time in a complete performance by Guardiola's men. 

It was an even start to the contest with both sides showing positive intent in a fixture played at a high tempo. However, clear cut opportunities were hard to come by.  After the first 10 minutes, Man City started to dominate possession and territory and increased the pressure on Lopetegui's men. Then, with 20 minutes on the clock, City hit the front. 

Phil Foden passed to De Bruyne on this near touchline and the Belgian's cross found Erling Haaland in the middle of the six yard box and he tapped in to give the Sky Blues the lead. It was a deserved goal given their territorial dominance, but it was also a setback for the La Liga outfit who had held firm until that moment. 

Things nearly got worse for them on the half hour and De Bruyne went for goal from a free-kick 20 yards, but his strike could only find the side-netting. Then, after 37 minutes, De Bruyne once again gave to Haaland and the Norwegian forced Bono into the save. 

Sevilla's best opportunity came just before the interval when Navas, Delaney and Gomez combined and the Argentine's strike failed to find the target. Man City went in 0-1 up at the break, but Sevilla were by no means out of it. 

 

September 6, 2022

The hosts brought on Mir and Jordan at the break to try and change their fortunes. There was an instant change in the atmosphere amongst the home fans and Mir got the ball in the box, but he was unable to turn and get a shot off. City remained a threat at the other end and, on the counter, De Bruyne combined with Haaland and the former was denied by a terrific stop by Bono. Then, just before the hour mark, City sealed the points.  

Cancelo found Foden in the area and the Englishman went one way and then another before picking out Bono's bottom left hand corner. The goal silenced the home faithful and Man City were not done. 

Gundogan had the ball in the back of the net, but Foden was offside in the build up and then, in the 67th minute, Haaland added to this tally. The Norwegian made a run forward and then gave to Foden. Foden's shot was saved by Bono and the Norwegian was there to turn in on the rebound. That proved to be one of Haaland's final touches of the ball as he was replaced after 70 minutes with a brace to his name. 

The rout was completed in stoppage time when Cancelo crossed for Ruben Dias to tap in from point-blank range. The goal led to boos from the home crowd as Sevilla were well beaten. They now travel to Copenhagen on 14th September in their next Champions League outing while Man City host Dortmund in a match which will see Haaland play against his old club.