Man City: Pep Guardiola reacts as Erling Haaland compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic | OneFootball

Striker scores spectacular acrobatic goal in 5-0 thrashing of Sparta Prague

Pep Guardiola hailed Erling Haaland after the striker's "fantastic" backheel volley in Manchester City's 5-0 Champions League win over Sparta Prague.

Haaland put City 2-0 up just prior to the hour mark at the Etihad Stadium with the spectacular acrobatic effort, the first of a brace that took the 24-year-old to 13 goals for the team this season and a career tally of 44 in 42 Champions League outings.

Boss Guardiola said: "I know it's not easy for him because they defend in the box, no space, three central defenders with him, two holding midfielders close to him, even the wingers close to the holding midfielders.

"Literally there is not space. Every cross they are hugging him and pushing him. So it is not easy.

"But I spoke many times with him 'be patient, be positive, because the ball is coming, the ball arrives'.

"Today he scored two goals, (also) had two headers, really good, to score two more. Always Erling has this incredible capacity. He can touch 15 balls, 20 balls but have seven, eight chances.

At the double: Erling Haaland scored twice as Man City thrashed Sparta Prague

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"It is unbelievable this talent this guy has, and of course, he made a fantastic goal. (It was) quite similar to (against) Dortmund years ago with an incredible pass from Joao Cancelo. I don't know which one is more difficult - for me, both."

Guardiola agreed when it was suggested to him that there was a comparison to be drawn between Haaland and former Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, saying: "Yes, his agility to do it is quite similar, you are right."

City took the lead via Phil Foden in the third minute before scoring three times in quick succession after the break, with Haaland's two finishes either side of a John Stones header.