‘Freak of nature’ Haaland sets yet more records as Pep defends early substitution

Manchester City are on an arduous quest to win the Champions League, and with Erling Haaland in the side anything is possible.

The Norwegian has once again proven his world-class credentials having scored five goals in their last-16 clash against RB Leipzig.

City needed a spark to send them through to the quarter-finals after their 1-1 draw from the first leg, so up stepped Haaland.

The 22-year-old scored twice in as many minutes midway through the first half before adding a third just before the break.

It was his second hat-trick in the competition, which is already more than Thierry Henry, Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were able to score in their illustrious careers.

Haaland netted his fifth treble of the season, and the second goal saw him become the fastest player in Champions League history to score 30 goals.

City were in cruise control heading into the break but in the second half, Haaland wanted more.

He netted in the 53rd and 57th minute to put the tie even further out of Leipzig’s reach, before being substituted in the 63rd minute.

“I think after scoring five goals, I have to say scoring goals!” he said in response to former City defender Joleon Lescott on BT Sport asking what his super strength is.

When speaking on his goals, he added: “I’ll be honest, a lot of the goals today I didn’t think, I was just doing it.

“On the penalty, I was just trying to get the ball into the back of the net, same with the second goal, same with the third goal, same with every goal. I didn’t think on every single goal.”

City eventually won 7-0 on the night and 8-1 on aggregate to see them progress to the last eight for the sixth consecutive season.

They are yet to lift the Champions League, despite having such star-studded squads in previous campaigns.

Haaland could be the man to get them across the line though, especially when he continues to score goals for fun.