Man City player ratings vs Sparta Praha

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?