UCL: Haaland Powers Man City To Crush Leipzig Into Quarterfinals

Erling Haaland was the star of the show as Manchester City cruised to a 7-0 victory over RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

Haaland scored five goals to equal Lionel Messi and Luiz Adriano's record of scoring the same number in a single Champions League game, while also setting a new club record for goals in a season with 39.

O CRAQUE DO JOGO, @ErlingHaaland! ☄

Quem mais arrebentou com o jogo pra vocês, Citizens?

? 7 x 0 âš« #MCFCPortugues | #UCLpic.twitter.com/7CjzWZTzcL

— Manchester City (@ManCityPT) March 14, 2023

The win secured City's place in the quarterfinals of the competition for the sixth consecutive season, but the Norwegian striker's incredible performance was the highlight of the night.

Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot, firing low to Blaswich's left to maintain his perfect record from the spot for City.

Two minutes later, he played a key role in the second goal, teeing up Kevin De Bruyne, who smashed a shot against the bar before Haaland powered home a header from the rebound.

Despite Leipzig having a chance to get back into the game when Ederson wiped out Konrad Laimer outside the box, the Slovenian referee didn't even award a free-kick, and the outcome of the game was all but secured with the final action of the first half.

Ruben Dias rose highest to head Jack Grealish's corner onto the post, and the ball bounced off Haaland into the net.

In the second half, Ilkay Gundogan scored the fourth goal with a classy finish before Haaland started to rewrite the record books.

He hammered home at the second attempt after Blaswich parried his initial header, matching Tommy Johnson's record of 38 goals for City in the 1928-29 season.

He then set a new mark by scoring another rebound goal after Blaswich saved from Manuel Akanji.

Guardiola eventually replaced Haaland with Julian Alvarez with 25 minutes remaining, denying his star striker the chance of another record.

Instead, De Bruyne had the final say, curling a superb strike into the top corner in stoppage time.

Haaland's performance was a clear indication that City now have a striker of his quality to make the difference in the latter stages of the Champions League.

City is yet to go all the way in the competition, but with Haaland in their ranks, they will fancy their chances of doing so.