Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign by thrashing a dismal Sevilla side.
Haaland’s ninth goal in five games set City on their way, with the Norwegian forward tapping in from Kevin de Bruyne’s superb driven cross.
He added to his tally after the break when he was again on hand to score from close range after home goalkeeper Yassine Bounou parried Phil Foden’s shot into his path.
In between, England midfielder Foden had given City a healthy cushion in their Group G opener, teasing his marker Nemanja Gudelj before sweeping a left-foot effort into the bottom-right corner of the net.
Ruben Dias underlined the gulf in class between the Premier League champions and the side that finished fourth in La Liga last term late on, side-footing Joao Cancelo’s cross into the middle of an empty net.
The manner of City’s victory and final scoreline was not unduly flattering, with the visitors dominant throughout.
Julen Lopetegui’s side looked short of attacking ideas and bereft of confidence after their winless start to the La Liga season.
With John Stones and Kyle Walker missing because of minor injuries City manager Pep Guardiola handed a debut to Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji, but aside from a wild first-half effort from Alejandro Gomez, the hosts barely threatened.
source – BBC
