Erling Haaland missed the opportunity to set an unprecedented record in the Champions League…
On a sublime night at the Etihad Stadium, Erling Haaland could almost write his own record, however, coach Pep Guardiola did not let that happen.
The Norwegian striker had an explosive day with 5 goals in Manchester City’s 7-0 win over RB Leipzig, thereby helping the Premier League champions win tickets to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the sixth consecutive season. next.
No player in Champions League history has scored 6 goals in a single game. Haaland had a chance to do so, but he was substituted by Guardiola in the 63rd minute.
Explaining Haaland’s withdrawal, Guardiola said: “If he reaches this milestone at the age of 22, it will make his life boring. Now, he will have new goals to accomplish in the future. That’s why I made the replacement”.
Haaland has become only the third player in history to score five goals in a game, equaling Luiz Adriano for Shakhtar Donetsk in 2014, and Lionel Messi, in 2012 for Barcelona – also under manager Guardiola.
“Actually, I didn’t know that Messi set the record in 2012, it was the reporter who told me that in the interview,” Guardiola said.
“But I made a substitution (third) because normally when the game is over I want the players to play, as much as possible. Haaland equals Messi’s record, but it’s different for him to do it in 60 minutes. I don’t know what will happen if he plays the full 90 minutes,” added Pep.
“I told the coach that I really want to score a hat-trick but what can I do?” Haaland expressed regret when he missed the opportunity to set his own record.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose said he expected his side to face a challenge against Haaland.
“He had a great night. He scored with both his feet and his head, won the second ball, ran deep. Everything looked really simple to him.”
Haaland has 10 goals this season and 33 in his career in the Champions League. The Man City star is also the youngest player to reach 30 goals in 25 matches in this tournament.
Meanwhile, Guardiola has won nine major trophies at Manchester City but success in Europe still eludes the Spaniard. The last time Man City had a chance to win the Champions League was the final in 2021, however, they lost 0-1 to Chelsea.
