Erling Haaland reignites his Champions League campaign as Manchester City triumphs over BSC Young Boys 3-1

Manchester City secured their third consecutive UEFA Champions League victory with a 3-1 win over Swiss team BSC Young Boys in Bern. Erling Haaland played a crucial role in the triumph, scoring two goals. Despite City's dominance and 67% possession, Young Boys managed to withstand the pressure throughout the match, with goalkeeper Anthony Racioppi delivering an outstanding performance. The Swiss team displayed great resilience and put up a commendable fight against the reigning treble champions.

City were caught off guard by the host, who had the initial opportunity of the game within the first 30 seconds when Filip Ugrinic forced Ederson into making a brilliant save.

However, City quickly took control and unleashed an onslaught of sky blue attacks. Matheus Nunes sent a shot over the crossbar just five minutes in, followed by Haaland missing a chance from inside the penalty area. Jérémy Doku was also denied by Racioppi soon after, with the goalkeeper making a total of 10 saves throughout the night.

Despite the increasing pressure, Young Boys successfully frustrated City in the first half, resulting in a goalless scoreline at halftime. However, the deadlock was finally broken in the second half. Rúben Dias powered a header that was deflected onto the crossbar by Racioppi, but center back Manuel Akanji quickly capitalized on the rebound and tapped it into the net.

City is looking to defend its European crown this season.

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Despite the initial appearance of floodgates possibly opening, City's lead proved short-lived as the English club conceded a mere four minutes later. Meschak Elia capitalized on a penetrating through ball, effortlessly lobbing Ederson from outside the box.

City's advantage was restored when Haaland successfully converted a penalty in the 65th minute after Rodri was fouled by Mohamed Ali Camara. Racioppi managed to touch the ball but couldn't prevent the goal. Despite that, the visitors' hopes of a third goal were dashed as VAR ruled out Julián Álvarez's strike in the 74th minute due to a handball by Jack Grealish in the build-up.

City further widened their lead towards the end of regulation time as their star player cemented the victory. Haaland, their talisman, skillfully curved a powerful right-footed shot beyond Racioppi, accumulating his impressive 33rd goal in 37 Champions League appearances.

Haaland tucks away his second of the evening.

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City manager Pep Guardiola commended his team's performance following the match, however, he voiced his disapproval of the artificial surface on which the game took place. The concerns regarding the turf were intensified by the continuous downpour throughout the contest. In an interview with TNT Sports after the game, Guardiola stated, "The unique shape of the ball on this pitch makes it more challenging. Nonetheless, our positional play was truly commendable."

"The game was challenging due to the playing conditions and the weather," commented Player of the Match, Rico Lewis, in an interview with TNT Sports. "Young Boys are accustomed to this kind of environment."

"In the first half, we performed admirably, and although the second half was a bit more unpredictable, we managed to accomplish our objective."

The Cityzens, who will face Young Boys again on November 7, now require just one victory to guarantee their place in the knockout stage.