Manchester City began their Champions League campaign in style with a 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, as Erling Haaland made history by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition.
Early Red Card Changes the Game
The much-anticipated clash was billed as Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional reunion with his former club, but the narrative shifted dramatically after Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off midway through the first half.
A VAR review confirmed that Di Lorenzo had caught Haaland with a high boot as the striker raced clear, leaving referee no choice but to show red. The decision forced Antonio Conte into an early substitution, replacing De Bruyne, who had received a warm ovation and “King Kev” banners from the City faithful.
From that point, Napoli were left to defend in numbers, with goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic producing a string of superb saves to keep the score level until halftime despite City’s relentless 16 first-half shots.
Haaland the Record-Breaker
The breakthrough arrived in the second half. Phil Foden lofted a clever pass into the box, and Haaland met it with a delicate header that left Milinkovic-Savic rooted. That goal was historic — his 50th in the Champions League, achieved in just 49 matches, surpassing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record by 13 games.
Haaland’s strike also underlined his astonishing consistency for City, with 130 goals in just 151 appearances across all competitions, including 74 at the Etihad.
Doku Doubles the Lead
Soon after, Jeremy Doku put the result beyond doubt. The Belgian winger, fresh from a dazzling display in the Manchester derby, weaved past defenders and slotted home to make it 2-0. His form alongside Haaland and Foden gives Pep Guardiola’s side real attacking momentum heading into Sunday’s crucial Premier League showdown with Arsenal.
Guardiola Praises “Different Feeling”
Speaking post-match, Guardiola praised his team’s composure:
“We started better than last season and against an incredible side, it was a big victory. The team in the last two games has taken another feeling — defensively, offensively, our body language is unbelievably good.”
On Doku, he added:
“In small spaces, over five metres, he’s unstoppable. He’s been fantastic in the last two games.”
Conte Reflects on Impossible Task
Napoli boss Antonio Conte admitted the red card left his side with no chance:
“It’s already difficult against Manchester City, but 10 vs 11 made it impossible. Defensively we were good, but we could have done better on the goals. I can’t fault the commitment.”
Conte also explained why he substituted De Bruyne early:
“It was the only option. I was sorry for him because it was emotional against his old club, but he understood.”
Old Trafford Return Turns Sour for Napoli Trio
For Napoli’s trio of former Manchester United players, it was a forgettable night back in the city. Rasmus Hojlund struggled alone up front, Scott McTominay worked hard but failed to influence play, and De Bruyne’s return ended prematurely.
City, meanwhile, never looked in danger after Di Lorenzo’s dismissal, sealing a comfortable win that sets the tone for another deep run in Europe.
