Manchester City showcased their Champions League credentials with a commanding 5-0 win over Sparta Praha, led by a dazzling performance from Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker scored twice, including a stunning backheeled volley, while Phil Foden, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes also played pivotal roles in the thrashing. Here are the Man City player ratings vs Sparta Praha in their 5-0 win in the Champions League.
Man City player ratings vs Sparta Praha - Champions League (4-3-3)
Man City starting XI vs Sparta Praha
Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega (7/10)
Ortega had little to do in the match but reacted well to deny Veljko Birmancevic when this Man City vs Sparta Praha game was still in the balance at 1-0.
Right Back: Rico Lewis (8/10)
Lewis displayed excellent decision-making, constantly popping up in the right places and linking up play all over the pitch for Manchester City.
Centre Back: John Stones (8/10)
Operating in a more advanced role, Stones was again lethal with his head, scoring his second header in as many games. His aerial presence proved crucial in set-pieces.
Centre Back: Manuel Akanji (7/10)
Akanji pressed high, occasionally leaving space behind, but his aggressive positioning helped keep Sparta under pressure.
Left Back: Nathan Ake (7/10)
Ake's physicality was important defensively, although he was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for handball.
Centre Midfielder: Ilkay Gundogan (5/10)
Gundogan orchestrated much of City’s play but was a bit too slow in possession at times, allowing Sparta to recover in this Man City vs Sparta Praha game.
Centre Midfielder: Matheus Nunes (6/10)
Nunes is growing into his role in this City team. His pinpoint cross assisted Stones' goal, and he calmly slotted home a late penalty to round off the scoring.
Centre Midfielder: Bernardo Silva (8/10)
Silva's slick passing kept the midfield ticking, ensuring City had complete control throughout the match.
Right Wing: Savinho (9/10)
Savinho tormented Sparta’s defenders with his pace and skill down the right wing. His relentless running was key to City’s attacking dominance and the scoreline Man City 5-0 Sparta Praha.
Centre Forward: Erling Haaland (9/10)
Haaland was simply unstoppable, converting an audacious backheeled volley and adding a second goal to take his Champions League tally to 44. His performance was a constant threat, with eight attempts on goal from just 12 touches.
Left Wing: Phil Foden (8/10)
Foden continues to find his rhythm after an injury-hit start to the season. His well-taken goal gave City an early lead, and he was a constant menace, drifting between the lines in this Man City vs Sparta Praha Champions League game.
Man City substitutes
James McAtee (5/10)
McAtee saw plenty of the ball during his 21 minutes on the field, helping to maintain City’s control in the later stages.
Mateo Kovacic (6/10)
With the Man City vs Sparta Praha game already won, Kovacic had little to do but ensure City kept their defensive shape.
Josko Gvardiol (6/10)
Gvardiol came on late but wasn’t really tested.
Ruben Dias (6/10)
Dias enjoyed a comfortable cameo with City in full control by the time he entered the fray.
Nico O'Reilly (NA/10)
O'Reilly made his Champions League debut in the 81st minute and came close to marking the occasion with a goal, but his effort was just too late.
Man City manager
Pep Guardiola (7/10)
Guardiola was visibly frustrated with City’s first-half performance, but the second-half explosion would have pleased him. His rotations, especially starting Haaland, paid off as City cruised to a dominant win.
Man City Player Ratings vs Sparta Praha: Starting XI - Ortega (7/10); Lewis (8/10), Stones (8/10), Akanji (7/10), Ake (7/10); Gundogan (5/10), Nunes (6/10), Silva (8/10); Savinho (9/10), Haaland (9/10), Foden (8/10); Substitutes - McAtee (5/10), Kovacic (6/10), Gvardiol (6/10), Dias (6/10), O'Reilly (NA/10); Manager - Guardiola (7/10).
What are your Man City player ratings vs Sparta Praha in their 5-0 win in the Champions League?