Manchester City maintained their 100% winning record in Group G of the Champions League with a 3-1 victory over Young Boys on Wednesday. Erling Haaland ended his goal drought with a second-half brace, while Manuel Akanji also scored on his return to his homeland.
City had a string of first-half near misses before Akanji finally broke the deadlock three minutes after the break. Ruben Dias’s header was pushed off the crossbar by Young Boys goalkeeper Anthony Racioppi, and Akanji was on hand to swing a high leg and volley the ball into the net.
Haaland doubled City’s lead in the 62nd minute, tapping home from close range after Phil Foden had unselfishly squared the ball to him. The Norwegian striker added his second goal of the game just two minutes later, heading in from Kevin De Bruyne’s corner.
Young Boys pulled a goal back in the 74th minute through Meschack Elia, but it was too little too late for the Swiss side. City cruised to victory and is now on the brink of qualification for the knockout stage.
Haaland ends goal drought for Manchester City
Haaland had gone four games without a goal for City before Wednesday’s match, but he silenced his critics with a brace against Young Boys. The Norwegian striker showed all of his predatory instincts in the first goal, tapping home from close range after Foden had unselfishly squared the ball to him.
Haaland’s second goal was even more impressive. He rose above the Young Boys defense to head in Kevin De Bruyne’s corner, demonstrating his aerial prowess. Haaland’s two goals were a reminder of why he is one of the most feared strikers in the world.
Akanji scores on return to homeland against Manchester City
Manuel Akanji was born in Bern, Switzerland, so it was fitting that he scored on his return to his homeland against Young Boys. The Swiss defender broke the deadlock three minutes after the break with a high volley, and his goal set the tone for a comfortable victory for City.
Akanji has been a solid addition to City’s defense since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. He has formed a strong partnership with Ruben Dias, and he has already scored two goals in his first 10 appearances for the club.
City cruise to victory
After Akanji’s opener, City were in complete control of the match. Haaland doubled their lead in the 62nd minute, and he added his second goal of the game just two minutes later. Young Boys pulled a goal back in the 74th minute, but it was too little too late for the Swiss side.
City cruised to victory and are now on the brink of qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League. They have won all three of their matches in Group G and are six points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund.
Conclusion
Manchester City were comfortable winners against Young Boys on Wednesday, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland and a goal from Manuel Akanji. Haaland ended his goal drought in style, and Akanji scored on his return to his homeland. City are now on the brink of qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League.
What does this mean for Manchester City?
Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Young Boys has put them in a commanding position in Group G of the Champions League. They have won all three of their matches and are six points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund. With two matches remaining, City are now all but assured of a place in the knockout stage.
City’s performance against Young Boys was particularly impressive given that they were playing on artificial turf. The slick surface can be difficult to adapt to, but City played some excellent football and created numerous chances.
Haaland’s brace was a major positive for City. The Norwegian striker is one of the best goalscorers in the world, and his goals will be vital to City’s success this season. Akanji’s goal was also a welcome boost for City. The Swiss defender has been a solid addition to the team’s defense, and his goal against Young Boys shows that he can also contribute in attack.
Overall, Manchester City’s victory over Young Boys was a very positive result. It puts them in a great position to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League