Haaland continues record exploits against Brugge
broke yet another Champions League record yesterday as he fired Borussia Dortmund a step closer to the knockout stages with two goals in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.
Haaland’s 18th-minute opener against Brugge saw him reach 15 Champions League goals in fewer games than any other player in the competition’s history.
The 20-year-old Norwegian hit the milestone in just 12 appearances, smashing the previous record of 19 games held by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Roberto Soldado.
“Erling is a fantastic player. He works hard on and off the pitch and he deserves everything that’s coming his way,“said teammate Jadon Sancho, who provided the assist for Haaland’s opener.
“I’m just happy that I can get my assists more easily because he’s so clinical,” Sancho told broadcaster DAZN.
Haaland added another in the second half to take his tally to 16, as he and Dortmund annihilated Brugge to defend top spot in Group F and move within touching distance of qualification for the second round.
Sancho, who has faced criticism this season and was dropped to the bench for Dortmund’s league win at Hertha Berlin last weekend, was in excellent form upon his return to the starting XI.
The 20-year-old Englishman doubled Dortmund’s lead on the stroke of half-time, curling a free-kick into the top corner after compatriot Jude Bellingham was fouled on the edge of the box.
“I’ve been practising my free-kicks recently, so I’m happy it came off today,” said Sancho.
Dortmund coach Favre was happy to see the 20-year-old – who was heavily linked with Manchester United during the previous transfer window – on the scoresheet and believes he will get back to his best.
“Of course, I’m really happy that he scored again. A very beautiful goal from a direct freekick. We have a few players who can do that. He did it really, really well.
“His goal has relieved us. A two-goal cushion coming one minute from the break was important, that was good for all of us.” –
AFP/
Agencies