Manchester City produced a masterclass performance at the Etihad Stadium on 23 October 2024, sweeping aside Sparta Praha 5–0 to maintain their perfect start in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Softfootball gathered, Pep Guardiola’s side displayed their trademark control, intensity, and clinical finishing as they outclassed their Czech opponents from the opening whistle.
City wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Phil Foden opening the scoring in the 3rd minute. The midfielder timed his run perfectly before slotting home from Manuel Akanji’s cut-back, giving the hosts an early advantage and setting the tone for the evening.
Despite City’s heavy pressure, Sparta Praha managed to keep the deficit to just one goal heading into halftime. However, the visitors struggled to retain possession, registering only 24% overall and completing just 135 passes compared to City’s commanding 725.
The second half saw Manchester City break the game wide open. Erling Haaland doubled the lead in the 58th minute, finishing calmly after receiving a clever assist from Sávio. The Norwegian striker struck again ten minutes later, sweeping home City’s fourth following a perfectly weighted pass from Matheus Nunes. The brace brought Haaland’s Champions League tally to new heights, further cementing his status as Europe’s most feared finisher.
Between Haaland’s goals, John Stones added City’s third in the 64th minute, powering a header into the net after Nunes delivered a pinpoint cross. It was a strong outing for the England defender, who also contributed in buildup play despite receiving an early yellow card in the 7th minute.
City’s relentless pressure continued until the final minutes, where Matheus Nunes capped off his outstanding individual performance by converting an 88th-minute penalty. The midfielder, who had already produced two assists, slotted home confidently to round off the dominant 5–0 scoreline.
Guardiola used the comfortable lead to rotate his squad, bringing on Mateo Kovačić, James McAtee, Joško Gvardiol, and young talent Nico O’Reilly. Sparta Praha, meanwhile, made several changes of their own in an attempt to stem the tide but remained unable to disrupt City’s rhythm.
The statistical gulf between the teams illustrated City’s control: 20 shots to Sparta’s 5, ten shots on target compared to just one for the visitors, and an exceptional 96% pass accuracy from the Premier League champions.
The victory places Manchester City firmly in command of their Champions League group and reinforces their status as one of the tournament’s top contenders. With Haaland firing, Foden flourishing, and Nunes emerging as a key midfield force, Guardiola’s side looks poised for another deep run in Europe’s elite competition.
