Champions League: Erling Haaland Shines as Manchester City Triumphs Over BSC Young Boys

In a thrilling clash at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory against BSC Young Boys, thanks in large part to a dazzling performance by Erling Haaland.

Manuel Akanji, playing in his homeland, opened the scoring for Manchester City shortly after the half-time break, igniting hopes of another City victory. However, Young Boys swiftly retaliated, equalizing the score within five minutes with a scooped finish by Meschack Elia.

Erling Haaland, who has been a beacon of excellence for City, stepped up in the 65th minute and converted a penalty, propelling the team back into the lead. The Norwegian sensation wasn’t done yet; he added a third goal in the closing stages, sealing the three points for Manchester City.

With this win, Manchester City extends its undefeated streak in the Champions League to 16 matches, matching manager Pep Guardiola’s longest stretch without defeat in the competition.

The game unfolded with Manchester City making seven changes from their weekend win against Brighton, showing early signs of composure and dominance on the field. Rodrigo came close to opening the scoring with a powerful header, while Nunes and Grealish both had opportunities to find the net but couldn’t capitalize.

Young Boys managed their first shot on goal in the 29th minute, but Ederson comfortably collected the attempt. Despite promising attacks from Grealish and Doku, City couldn’t break the deadlock in the first half, and Young Boys’ defense held firm.

The second half began with a flurry of attacks from Manchester City, and the breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart when Manuel Akanji capitalized on a rebound from a Dias header that had struck the bar.

Young Boys responded swiftly, with Meschack Elia scooping the ball over Ederson to level the score. However, Manchester City regained the lead with a penalty in the 65th minute, converted by Erling Haaland.

Haaland, eager to complete his brace, came close to scoring his second, but he couldn’t find the mark. Julian Alvarez’s goal was disallowed after a VAR check for handball against Grealish. Bernardo Silva also came close to adding to City’s tally but narrowly missed the target.

Ultimately, it was Haaland who provided the final blow, unleashing a brilliant right-footed curling strike into the top corner in the 86th minute, securing Manchester City’s victory.

With this win, Manchester City maintains a perfect record in Group G of the Champions League with three wins in as many matches. The team now looks ahead to the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium, knowing that a victory will secure their place in the knockout stages for the eleventh consecutive season.