In the absence of the suspended Pep Guardiola, assistant coach Pep Lijnders took charge on the touchline and was left in awe of Haaland’s second goal – a towering header from an Antione Semenyo cross. Lijnders, who has seen many of the world’s best finishers up close, was particularly impressed by the sheer athleticism on display as City cruised into the final four.
“I worked with a lot of good strikers, with a lot of goals,” Lijnders said. “The second goal was insane, the way he attacked, he flies, the way he puts the ball to the corner. I love these old-school striker goals.” #
Haaland’s haul was completed by a penalty and a clinical finish off the underside of the crossbar following a pass from youngster Nico O’Reilly.