Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 5-0 Sparta Prague (UEFA Champions League) | OneFootball

Manchester City cruised to victory with four second half goals against Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium to earn their seventh point in the Champions League league phase.

An early goal from Phil Foden, a second-half brace from Erling Haaland, a looping header from John Stones, and a late penalty from Matheus Nunes sealed the game for Pep Guardiola’s side on matchday three of the competition

With the first shot of the game, Phil Foden fired the ball into the bottom corner to give Manchester City the lead in less than three minutes, in what was the perfect start for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Just minutes later, Erling Haaland’s first touch nearly doubled City’s lead with his header forcing a save from the visiting goalkeeper who was looking to be a busy man after the opening ten minutes at the Etihad.

Stefan Ortega was called into action for the first time midway through the first half as he pulled off a tremendous save down to his right side. The Czech side found themselves through mere seconds after almost conceding a second through a Haaland header.

City kept creating chances and pushing against the wall of Sparta Prague defenders but were unable to find a second goal before the half-time whistle. The Blues were in full control of the opening 45 but would have liked to have another goal before the break.

Just like in the first half, City hit the back of the net quickly after the whistle through Nathan Ake. But this time the goal was disallowed for handball after the ball struck the arms of the defender in the goalmouth scramble that led to the Dutchman’s celebrations.

Who else but Erling Haaland to double Manchester City’s lead and what a goal it was. Savinho’s cross was behind the big Norwegian who pulled off a tremendous piece of athleticism to divert the ball into the net in fabulous style.

The hosts were really in their groove now as John Stones found a third for the Blues with a looping header back across the goal, dipping just under the crossbar. And Haaland netted his second after a smooth counterattack to put the game to bed.

To add insult to injury, Matheus Nunes won a penalty in the last five minutes after skipping into the box past the defender who tripped the Portuguese. Nunes stepped up and smashed the ball into the top corner – a performance worthy of five goals from the 2023 winners.

Manchester City will be looking towards their next game as they host a winless Southampton side in the Premier League this coming Saturday and their next Champions League game will be away at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday 5th November.

Before then, here is how we rated the performances of each of Manchester City’s players that featured in Wednesday night’s rout over Sparta Prague!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Stefan Ortega Moreno – 7

Had very little to do, but made a good save in the first-half.

Rico Lewis – 7.5

Really comfortable on the ball and always wanting to go forward.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Solid defensively and was confident on the ball. An assist for the Swiss defender tonight, albeit via the individual brilliance of Phil Foden.

John Stones – 8.5

Great goal and stepped forward to provide the extra option around the penalty area. An option to play at striker in any absence of Erling Haaland, according to Pep Guardiola.

Nathan Ake – 7.5

Was unlucky to have his goal disallowed and stopped any visiting threat. An encouraging return to life with the squad after injury.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7

Didn’t have the impact expected in this game but still played well.

Bernardo Silva (C) – 8

Controlled the tempo of the game in midfield and took his role of captain very seriously.

Phil Foden – 8.5

Did well to score so early on and remained a threat in the final third. Awarded UEFA’s Player of the Match award for the second European contest running.

Savinho – 8.5

Very quick feet and was a constant threat down the wing with his dynamism. Earned an assist from Erling Haaland’s brilliance.

Erling Haaland – 9.5

He always surprises with what he can do on the pitch and shocked everyone with his first goal. He is a serial goalscorer. That’s 44 goals in 42 Champions League appearances now.

Matheus Nunes – 9 (MOTM)

Very effective when playing with confidence grabbing two assists and earned his goal tonight.

Substitutes

James McAtee – 7

Played okay when he came on and will be looking to get more minutes on the pitch.

Mateo Kovacic – 7

Very clever when on the ball and he did his job well after coming on.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

Created an extra threat with his tendencies to go forward and attack up the pitch.

Ruben Dias – 7

Had very little to do when he came on but remained in control of the defence.

Nico O’Reilly – No time to mark