Haaland Hits Historic 50 Goals

Manchester City began their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 campaign in dominant fashion, securing a 2-0 win over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku sealed the victory for Pep Guardiola’s men on Matchday 1, while Napoli’s night was marred by an early red card to captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

City Fans Honour De Bruyne Before Kick-Off

Before the match, Manchester City fans paid tribute to Kevin De Bruyne with a breathtaking tifo display, celebrating their midfield maestro who has been pivotal in the club’s recent European success. The atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for an intense clash.

First Half: Napoli Down to Ten Men, City Frustrated

The match took a dramatic turn in the 21st minute when Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Erling Haaland. Reduced to ten men, Napoli shifted into a deep defensive block, frustrating City’s attacking flow.

Despite enjoying the majority of possession, City failed to break the deadlock in the first half. Napoli’s goalkeeper and disciplined defense kept Guardiola’s side at bay, sending the game into halftime at 0-0.

Second Half: Haaland Makes History, Doku Doubles the Lead

City’s breakthrough came in the 56th minute, when Phil Foden delivered a perfect cross that found Haaland, who powered home a header to make it 1-0. The goal was not just a vital opener but also a historic moment — Haaland’s 50th UEFA Champions League goal, underlining his status as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.

Only nine minutes later, Jérémy Doku sealed the victory in the 65th minute, finishing clinically to make it 2-0. With two goals in quick succession, City put the game beyond Napoli’s reach.

What’s Next?

Manchester City will look to continue their strong start when they face Monaco on Matchday 2. Meanwhile, Napoli will aim to bounce back at home against Sporting CP, needing a result to stay competitive in Group play.

Key Takeaways

• Manchester City 2-0 Napoli – Goals from Haaland (56’) and Doku (65’).
  
• Erling Haaland reaches 50 Champions League goals, joining an elite group of players at just 25 years old.
  
• Giovanni Di Lorenzo sent off for Napoli in the 21st minute.
  
• City fans honoured Kevin De Bruyne with a pre-match tifo.
  
• City dominated possession but had to wait until the second half to score.
  

Final Thoughts

Manchester City once again proved their pedigree in Europe, overcoming a stubborn Napoli side with patience and clinical finishing. With Haaland breaking records and City’s attack firing, Guardiola’s men have sent a strong statement of intent in their quest to defend the Champions League title.

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