European Leagues

‘Machine’ Erling Haaland sends ominous message to rivals

Erling Haaland delivered an emphatic and ominous warning to Manchester City’s rivals after scoring five goals in their 6-2 win at Luton in the FA Cup.

The Norway striker, 23, made history as the first City player to score five in a game more than once as Pep Guardiola’s side progressed to the last eight.

Haaland recently returned after two months out with a foot injury and, having taken time to work his way back to full fitness, he said he is ready to spearhead another City push for a treble.

Having achieved the feat last season, City are one point behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League and hold a 3-1 lead going into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Copenhagen.

“It’s coming, we’re coming,” Haaland told ITV.

“My fitness? I am getting back to my best. Finally I am feeling good. It’s an amazing feeling. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack.”

The former Borussia Dortmund forward certainly looked close to his top level as he tormented the Luton defence at Kenilworth Road with a combination of his physical prowess, elite movement and ruthless finishing proving to be far too much for Rob Edwards’ team to handle.

Haaland has broken countless records since arriving at Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2022 and has scored 30 more goals in all competitions than any other Premier League player since then, despite his absence this season.

“This is world class from Haaland, world class,” former Manchester United captain Roy Keane said on ITV.

“He is prolific, making great runs, a natural scorer, great attitude. He is a machine.”

Record-breaking Haaland

Haaland is the first player to score five or more for a top-flight club in the FA Cup since George Best v Northampton in 1970.
He is the first player to score five goals in a match twice for Man City.
Haaland is the first player to score at least five goals in an FA Cup tie (first round onwards) since Duane Darby for Hull City against Whitby in a first-round replay in November 1996 (Darby scored six).
This is the second time Haaland has scored five goals in a game in his senior career, previously doing so for City against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in March 2023.
Since his debut for City in July 2022, Haaland has scored 79 goals in 83 games in all comps, 30 more than any other Premier League player in the that time (Salah 49).

Four of Haaland’s five goals at Luton were assisted by Kevin De Bruyne as the duo again showed why they are one of the most fearsome partnerships in world football.

De Bruyne has now assisted 16 of Haaland’s 79 goals for City and is the first Premier League player to provide four assists for a teammate in a game in all competitions since Harry Kane for Son Heung-min for Tottenham against Southampton in September 2020.

“Erling is on fire and Kevin… the connection was perfect,” Guardiola said after the match. “Kevin needs players like Erling and Erling needs players like Kevin.

“Erling needs a guy with the vision, the quality, the generosity. Kevin is the less selfish player in front of goal. Kevin needs the movement from Erling. We know how aggressive they are.”

It is now nine assists in his past five FA Cup games for De Bruyne, one more than he managed in his first 23 appearances for City in the competition.

“Kevin de Bruyne is massive. He is doing what he is best at. It’s a pleasure playing with him,” Haaland said.

“We know what we both want from each other. It clicks well. He is a smart player and I like to play with him.”

Next up for City is a Premier League derby against Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday, and with two of their star men hitting their stride it could hardly come at a better time for the hosts.

“De Bruyne and Haaland are telepathic,” Keane said. “They make it look simple but they are world-class players.

“The players and the manager smell it. This is big stuff, the players have done it before.

“Haaland and De Bruyne will be fresh mentally. Liverpool and Arsenal getting a lot of headlines, but I still think Man City will take some stopping.”

Related Topics:FA Cup Haaland manchester city

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Mbappe Hat-Trick Dismantles Man City As Real Madrid Hit Last 16

Real Madrid have booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a convincing 3-0 over Manchester City in the second leg of their play-off round tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the final aggregate score being 6-2.

A stunning comeback in Manchester last week ensured that Real Madrid only needed to avoid defeat in the second leg in order to be confirmed in the next round. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were never going to settle for this, and they extended their aggregate lead inside the opening four minutes in the Spanish capital. A long ball over the top from Raul Asencio went into the path of Kylian Mbappe, who lobbed over the onrushing Ederson and into the back of the net.

Just beyond the half hour mark, Mbappe got his and Real Madrid’s second of the evening. A wonderful team move ended with Rodrygo Goes playing in the French attacker, and he showed great feet to take the ball away from a couple of Man City defenders before blasting in from close range.

That goal put the tie beyond any doubt, but Real Madrid and Mbappe did not stop there. The 26-year-old would finish off for his second hat-trick of the season on 61 minutes after he curled the ball into the far corner to complete a sensational evening for him and his teammates.

However, it was not a perfect match for Ancelotti’s side as they conceded in the final minute after former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez scored from close range after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick came back off the crossbar.

The result means that Real Madrid are into the next round, and they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 stage of the Champions League. The draw for that round is set to take place later this week.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Set Up Clash With Liverpool or Barcelona

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Stroll Into Last 16

Paris St-Germain roared into the last 16 of the Champions League with a thumping victory over Brest.

Luis Enrique’s side will now face Liverpool or Barcelona with the draw due to take place on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 GMT, in Nyon Switzerland.

Already leading 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout play-off, the hosts again exhibited their superiority over a fellow French side they have now defeated four times this season – scoring 18 times in the process.

Bradley Barcola extended their advantage with a neat near-post effort and his fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tapped in PSG’s second of the evening before the break.

Portugal international Joao Neves also hit the crossbar for the hosts, before his compatriot and midfield partner Vitinha curled a low shot into the right corner from 18 yards just before the hour mark.

From there PSG moved through the gears.

Goncalo Ramos teed up fellow substitute Desire Doue for their fourth, the impressive Nuno Mendes slid in Achraf Hakimi’s teasing ball for a fifth, Ramos’ deft finish brought a sixth and teenager Senny Mayulu rounded off the scoring with four minutes left.

It ensured a miserable night in the French capital for Brest, who only threatened sporadically when Mathias Pereira Lage’s placed effort was cleared off the line by PSG captain Marquinhos and Pierre Lees-Melou hit the post with a curling effort.

BBC

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ademola Lookman Trains Fully Ahead Of Champions League Clash

Atalanta has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge, with Nigerian international Ademola Lookman returning to full training on Monday, February 17, per Allnigeriasoccer.

Lookman had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained just two days before a crucial match against Barcelona.

His recovery and return to group training are expected to enhance Atalanta’s attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming fixture.

Lookman’s return is also a positive development for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle, who was appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria national football team in January 2025, is keen to have his key players in top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025, with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Lookman’s return to fitness will be closely monitored by Chelle, as the winger’s pace and creativity could be instrumental in Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

Atalanta’s coach will however assess Lookman’s fitness to determine his potential involvement in the upcoming Champions League match against Brugge.

Given the importance of the fixture, Lookman’s inclusion could provide a significant advantage, as his attacking prowess has been a key asset for Atalanta this season.

For Atalanta supporters, Lookman’s recovery is great news, and the club’s prospects in the Champions League look much brighter with him back in the fold.

Atalanta is aiming to build on their strong performances this season, and Lookman’s return is crucial as they look to advance further in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

As the match day draws closer, both Lookman and Atalanta are hopeful that the winger can make an impact once again, and fans are excited to see the Nigerian back on the pitch.

With Lookman fully integrated into the squad once more, Atalanta’s attacking threat is renewed, and they are optimistic about their chances in the Champions League.

Allnigeriasoccer