Haaland shatters Champions League record as Man. City move past Napoli 

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Manchester City got their 2025-26 Champions League campaign off to a commanding start on Thursday, defeating Napoli 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The result was shaped decisively by an early red card for Napoli and a record-making strike from Erling Haaland.

Just 22 minutes into the match, Napoli’s captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off after a VAR review determined his tackle on Haaland was reckless.

With the Italian side down to ten, manager Antonio Conte was forced into tactical reshuffles, including an early substitution for Kevin De Bruyne, returning to his former home.

Despite Napoli’s resistance and some outstanding goalkeeping from Vanja Milinković-Savić, City broke through in the 56th minute.

Phil Foden curled a pass into the box, and Haaland looped a header past the keeper to become the fastest player ever to score 50 Champions League goals, with this milestone coming in just 49 appearances, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s prior record.

The second goal came nine minutes later through Jeremy Doku. The winger danced past defenders and tucked the ball between Milinković-Savić’s legs after a sharp counter-attack sequence, effectively sealing the match.

In the second half, City largely controlled possession and looked comfortable, rarely allowing Napoli chances. Napoli’s defensive shape and goalkeeper’s efforts prevented a more emphatic City win, but the result was never seriously in doubt.

Pep Guardiola praised his side’s composure and dominance, while Conte admitted the red card fundamentally altered the dynamic of the game.