Erling Haaland dazzled fans with a sensational scorpion kick goal during Manchester City’s 5-0 victory over Slavia Prague, marking a resurgence after a challenging period. The 24-year-old striker, previously criticized for his behavior and performance, delighted coach Pep Guardiola and teammates with his remarkable 44 goals in just 42 Champions League appearances. This breathtaking moment recalled a similar feat from 2021, showcasing Haaland’s extraordinary talent and ability to captivate audiences on the pitch once again.
Erling Haaland has done it again, delivering a breathtaking goal that left everyone in awe during a recent Premier League match. Manchester City’s star player demonstrated his remarkable talent, much to the astonishment of coach Pep Guardiola and other teammates. This isn’t the first time Haaland has scored an extraordinary goal; he continues to redefine expectations, especially after overcoming a challenging few weeks.
The 24-year-old Norwegian forward returned to prominence on Wednesday after facing some criticism for his performance. Instead of being the villain many predicted he might become, Haaland remains a player renowned for producing spectacular goals.
What transpired on Wednesday was nothing short of sensational. Although he managed just a single goal, its execution was extraordinary, showcasing his acrobatic skills. In a match that felt larger than life, Haaland executed a mesmerizing scorpion kick, demonstrating that he has moved beyond his previous environment. Now donning the Manchester City colors, every match is a fresh stage for amazing displays of skill.
Phil Foden, Haaland’s teammate, remarked, “He’s a freak; that’s not normal for a human being.” Coach Pep Guardiola described him as “a statue,” while Lars Friis, coach of Slavia Prague, acknowledged Haaland’s elite status by stating, “He’s maybe the best striker in the world.” The Cityzens convincingly defeated their rivals 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium, but it was Haaland who stole the spotlight.
44 Goals in 42 Games
So, how did this remarkable moment unfold? In the 58th minute, Savinho darted down the right flank and delivered a cross into the penalty area. While Haaland aimed for a header in the previous minute, this time he astonished supporters by jumping with his back to the goal, lifting his left foot to redirect the ball into the net using his heel. The ball sailed past the struggling Slavia goalkeeper, Peter Vindahl, as Haaland grinned widely.
When Haaland exited the pitch in the 81st minute, having contributed to his team’s dominant performance, he had skyrocketed his Champions League total to an impressive 44 goals in just 42 matches. This achievement places him at 16th on the all-time scoring list for Europe’s premier club competition.
Guardiola himself was mystified by the goal and commented, “I didn’t even know how he scored. He can have maybe 15 or 20 touches of the ball in the whole game, but seven or eight of them are chances. It’s incredible.”
Flashback to Gelsenkirchen in 2021
Guardiola also drew parallels to another incredible moment in Haaland’s career, recalling a similar goal from February 20, 2021, when Dortmund faced off against FC Schalke 04. That day, Haaland scored from Jadon Sancho’s cross using a side-footed shot, earning the nickname “Kung-Fu-Haaland” after his impressive acrobatics.
Guardiola remarked, “I wouldn’t know which goal was better.” His teammate Matheus Nunes expressed gratitude for witnessing such talent firsthand, calling it “unbelievable” compared to seeing it on television.
Haaland’s Criticism and Comeback
Despite his recent brilliance, Haaland had been under scrutiny due to a series of goalless matches in the Premier League. Media criticism intensified after a contentious incident in a game against Arsenal, where he threw the ball at an opposing player in frustration, earning him negative attention.
His behavior following Norway’s disappointing defeat in the UEFA Nations League also prompted backlash, as he declined to respond to reporters’ questions. Following the outcry, Haaland addressed his actions on social media, apologizing for the incidents. The day after his stunning goal, he posted images of the moment on Instagram, captioning them with scorpion emojis as a nod to his own audacity.