Haaland’s flying volley lights up Manchester City’s rout of Sparta Prague

Erling Haaland contorts his body to backheel in Manchester City’s second goal and kickstart a second-half goal spree. Photograph: Richard Sellers/Getty Images/Allstar

In the goalfest that is Erling Haaland’s remarkable career, the reverse-flick while airborne that beat Peter Vindahl while facing away from Sparta Prague’s goalkeeper is surely a glittering standout. It was Manchester City’s second, coming on 58 minutes, and Haaland’s nonchalant, whadda-you-expect grin illustrated just how impressed he was with his own work.

Asked if the 24-year-old’s strike was normal, Pep Guardiola said: “For a human being I would say not. It’s unbelievable. He made an incredible goal, similar to [against Borussia] Dortmund a few years ago. I don’t know which one is more difficult but I would say both [are equal].”