In football history, certain goals become instant classics, with young fans across the globe attempting to recreate them the very next day. Erling Haaland’s sensational acrobatic goal against Sparta Prague on Wednesday seems destined to be one of those iconic moments.
Manchester City appeared to be in control after Phil Foden’s early strike, but frustration was growing as the team failed to build on their lead. Then, Haaland stepped up to produce a moment of magic.
With Savinho delivering a cross that seemed awkward in both height and angle, Haaland, without even facing the goal, unleashed an extraordinary backheel volley to double City’s lead. The goal not only gave City a cushion but also opened the floodgates for further dominance, with John Stones heading in his second goal in as many games, Haaland scoring once more, and Matheus Nunes capping the victory with a late penalty. Yet, the brilliance of Haaland’s initial strike remained the talking point.
“He wasn’t even looking at the ball”: reactions to the goal
The sheer skill and athleticism required for Haaland’s backheel volley left both players and pundits amazed. Former Tottenham and England manager Glenn Hoddle, commenting on TNT Sports, admitted he struggled to find words to describe the goal. “He wasn’t even looking at the ball. I don’t know what to call it even. It was an amazing goal,” Hoddle said, adding that children across the country would undoubtedly try to replicate it.
Teammate Phil Foden, in his post-match interview with TNT Sports, shared his astonishment: “I just told him, ‘If I tried that, I’d pull my groin!’” Foden highlighted Haaland’s unique ability, saying, “It shows he has this talent that no-one else can do.”
The finish drew comparisons to a volley Haaland scored against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League two years earlier. However, that previous goal came when Haaland was facing the net, whereas Wednesday’s strike saw him score while facing the opposite direction.
Praise from teammates and pundits
Haaland’s teammates and football analysts were full of admiration for the goal. Midfielder Matheus Nunes, in awe of Haaland’s finish, said, “I was speechless after that shot.” Nunes compared it to the Dortmund goal, admitting that witnessing Haaland’s latest acrobatic strike live was an entirely different experience.
Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott called the goal “a unique finish,” explaining that few strikers would even attempt, let alone successfully execute, such a move. “It is unique to him and his athleticism,” Lescott said.
Steph Houghton, former Manchester City defender and England captain, was equally impressed, remarking on Match of the Day, “That finish was something else. He is the only striker in the world who can score from those positions.”
Haaland’s milestone: climbing the all-time scorers list
With his double against Sparta Prague, Haaland ended a brief two-game scoreless spell and added another chapter to his remarkable Champions League career. His 44 goals in 42 appearances moved him past Neymar and level with Didier Drogba in the all-time goal rankings. Given his young age of 24, many expect him to rise even further up the list in the coming years.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking after the match, praised Haaland’s flexibility and sense of humour, comparing the goal to the one he scored for Dortmund. “He’s a statue, so tall and so flexible. I like it,” Guardiola said. “Unbelievable.”
With Haaland back in scoring form, Guardiola opted to substitute the striker with ten minutes left, avoiding potential injury. Joking about Haaland’s importance, the manager quipped that if the Norwegian were ever unavailable, John Stones could step in as an emergency striker.
Haaland’s strike: a goal to remember
Haaland’s backheel volley will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the great moments of footballing flair. The strike, combining technical brilliance with improvisation, has captured the imagination of fans, players, and pundits alike, reinforcing Haaland’s status as one of the most exciting talents in the modern game.
