Erling Haaland could top Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League scoring record, says Pep Guardiola

LONDON – Manchester City’s Erling Haaland shattered another scoring record in their 2-0 Champions League victory over visitors Napoli on Sept 18, and manager Pep Guardiola believes his talented striker might one day be the best player in Europe.

The 25-year-old Norwegian became the quickest player in Champions League history to hit 50 goals in what was his 49th appearance in Europe’s elite competition when he cleverly headed home in the 56th minute.

He smashed the record held by former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who reached 50 goals in 62 games.

“The number speaks for itself,” Guardiola said. “He's alongside, in terms of goals, with van Nistelrooy, (Robert) Lewandowski, but especially with the two monsters Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi over 15, 20 years. Erling is there. In terms of goals, it’s unbelievable.”

Ronaldo is the all-time Champions League top scorer with 140 goals. Asked if Haaland – given his numbers at such a young age – could one day top that mark, the City boss did not hesitate.

“If (he keeps up) that rhythm? Yeah,” he said. “He can play I don’t know how many years – 10, 12 years. I would say if he maintains this progression, absolutely.”

Jeremy Doku doubled City’s lead in the 65th to clinch the points on a night when Napoli’s Kevin de Bruyne returned to the Etihad Stadium to face his former club.

Guardiola was equally effusive about Phil Foden, who scored in City’s 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United last weekend in his first start of the season and was excellent again on Sept 18.

Foden was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign, but his form vanished last term.

“You cannot imagine how we missed Phil,” Guardiola said.

“Last two games have been the Phil that we know. It’s the sense of danger close to the box and he could score one or two goals again.

“We are so happy because I know if he’s happy and his life is fine, and the rest – his natural, incredible talent – comes along.”

There was no fairy-tale return for de Bruyne as his night was cut short after just 26 minutes as a result of Giovanni di Lorenzo’s early dismissal.

The Belgian’s name rang around the Etihad before kick-off, while a series of banners paid homage to the man who contributed nearly 300 goals or assists in 422 matches during his time in Manchester.

However, Napoli coach Antonio Conte showed no room for sentiment as he sacrificed the 34-year-old to bolster his defence with the introduction of Mathias Olivera.

“I was very sorry I had to make that substitution. I also knew by taking him off, we were going to miss some of the things he can give us,” said Conte.

“But I don’t really see that I had any other option. He understood why I had to make that decision.”

In another match, Marcus Rashford celebrated his return to English soil by scoring twice in nine second-half minutes to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

“I see what he is capable of every day in training and he is such a talented player. The important thing is that he’s gaining confidence and that we help him to keep it going,” said Barca coach Hansi Flick of the United loanee. REUTERS