Erling Haaland put an end to his Champions League goal drought with a sensational second-half performance, leading Manchester City to a 3-1 victory over Young Boys and maintaining the defending champions’ flawless record in the group stage.
The Norwegian striker had gone without a goal in the competition for five games, totaling 543 minutes, and had even missed six golden opportunities during the match in Bern. However, Haaland’s barren spell came to an emphatic conclusion as he netted a penalty and then unleashed a powerful right-footed shot.
The first half of the game was goalless, with Manchester City squandering numerous chances. It wasn’t until the second half that Manuel Akanji, returning to his homeland, opened the scoring for the visitors. But their lead was short-lived as Meschack Elia swiftly responded with a remarkable chip over Ederson on a counterattack.
City had a goal by Julian Alvarez disallowed by VAR due to a Jack Grealish handball in the build-up. However, it was Erling Haaland who emerged as the hero, securing the victory with a penalty after Rodri was fouled, and sealing the deal with a well-placed finish in the closing moments of the game.