Erling Haaland scores his first open-play goal in 10 games to help Manchester City beat Galatasaray 2-0 and secure a Champions League knockout spot
ERLING Haaland ended a 10-game wait for a goal from open play as Manchester City beat Galatasaray 2-0 to book their Champions League last-16 place.
Rayan Cherki was also on target for Pep Guardiola’s side, who sneaked into the top eight to avoid a perilous play-off next month.
City captain Bernardo Silva welcomed the achievement given their injury issues and congested schedule.
“With a bit of drama, we did it,” Silva said.
“To have those two full weeks to prepare the team, to recover some players, to focus on other competitions for now is going to be really good.”
City know the play-off dangers after being dumped out by Real Madrid at that stage 12 months ago.
Haaland had been benched in the Premier League at the weekend and his only recent goal was a penalty.
He showed no lack of confidence by lifting the ball over goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir from Jeremy Doku’s fine through ball.
Doku also created the second goal, picking out Cherki inside the box to slam home.
The Belgian’s subsequent departure with an apparent hamstring injury was a sour note for Guardiola.
“It’s a big miss,” Guardiola said. “Jeremy is such an important player for many reasons.”
An experimental City defence, missing several centre-backs, was rarely tested by the Turkish champions.
Results elsewhere ultimately secured City’s progression after Real Madrid lost and PSG drew.
Madrid could await in the last 16 alongside Inter Milan, Benfica and Bodo/Glimt.
