Manchester City began their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign in flying form as they sealed an impressive 2-0 win over champions of Italy- Napoli, on Thursday night at the Etihad Stadium. History-maker Erling Haaland netted the opener, before Jeremy Doku added a second to secure the win for the English team.
How the Game Unfolded
The major news that grabbed headlines ahead of the feisty encounter was the homecoming of Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who was making his return to the Etihad, after leaving at the end of last season. However, his return was short-lived as he was substituted in the first half of the game, before City scored twice in the second half to seal the victory.
First half
The home fans displayed a big banner in honor of De Bruyne and gave a warm welcome to club legend ahead of kickoff. However, things did not go as planned for Napoli as captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off by VAR for a tackle on Erling Haaland when he was through on goal. De Bruyne was then substituted as Antonio Conte looked to shake things up. Despite the man advantage, City failed to get past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in Napoli’s goal, with the goalkeeper in inspired form.
Second half
City stepped up in the second half and made their advantage count in the 56th minute, after Haaland headed in a superb delivery from Phil Foden. It was the Norwegian’s 50th goal in the competition and he became the fastest man to achieve the feat, doing so in 49 matches. Jeremy Doku added a second in the 65th minute to seal the win for the home side.
Man City Player Ratings
- GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7/10
- RB: Khusanov – 7/10
- LB: Nico O’Reilly – 7/10
- CB: Ruben Dias – 7/10
- CB: Josko Gvardiol – 7/10
- DM: Rodri – 7/10
- CM: Reijnders – 7/10
- CM: Bernando Silva – 7/10
- RW: Jeremy Doku – 8/10
- LW: Phil Foden – 8/10
- ST: Erling Haaland – 8/10
The Stats
- Possession: Man City 74% – Napoli 26%
- Shots: Man City 24 – Napoli 1
- Shots on target: Man City 8 – Napoli 1
- Corner kicks: Man City 9 – Napoli 2
Man of the Match
Phil Foden – The England international continued his return to form with a brilliant attacking display against Napoli. He provided the assist for the first goal and only great goalkeeping prevented him from getting on the scoresheet himself.
What next?
Manchester City travel to the Emirates on Sunday to face Arsenal in the English Premier League, while Napoli welcome newly-promoted Pisa to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Monday.
