Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland broke yet another record on Thursday, reaching 50 Champions League goals in fewer appearances than anyone in the history of the competition.
Haaland headed City in front against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium to tally his half-century of goals in just 49 appearances. That obliterated the previous record set by former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who needed 62 games.
The Norway star has now tied Thierry Henry in ninth place among the top all-time Champions League scorers. Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer in the Champions League with 141 goals, while Lionel Messi is second with 129.
Haaland this season has scored 12 goals in seven appearances for club and country. He hit five goals in Norway’s 11-1 win over Moldova. He then struck twice in City’s 3-0 victory over United on Sunday.
Man City went on to beat Napoli 2-0 to make a winning start to their European campaign as they look to regain the trophy they won for the first time in 2023.
Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.
