Erling Haaland scored another two goals, then was taken off at half-time in Manchester City’s 5-0 rout of FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old Norwegian netted his 19th goal for City in 12 appearances in all competitions, banging in a first-half double against the Danish champions.
City boss Pep Guardiola admitted he took off Haaland at half-time with his side up 3-0 to offer him some rest ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game with Southampton.
That left those clambering for the record books disappointed but the Spaniard defended the call.
“Erling Haaland, what does he want? The same as us; to win the game,” he said. “He made the hat-tricks to win the games.”
On the substitution, he added: “He played a lot of minutes three days ago, the game was under control, and (substitute) Cole Palmer is an excellent player, a top-class player.
“If the game was tight, Erling would continue to play. But it was better to rest and to think of Southampton, a team we were not able to beat last season. Hopefully this season we can do it.”
City midfielder Jack Grealish had an exchange with FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara who said the Norwegian was “not human”.
Grealish was also full of praise for Haaland, who continues to amaze with his impact since joining City.
“It’s unbelievable,” Grealish told BT Sport. “I’ve never witnessed anything like it in my life.
“He’s just always there, he’s always finishing it and it’s a pleasure to play with him at the minute.
“When I was walking back after one of the goals their keeper said something to me. I was like ‘What?’, and he was just like ‘He’s not human’… I was like ‘Bro I know, you’re telling me’.
“He’s unbelievable, a pleasure to play with, he’s so humble and great around the place and I’m not just bigging him up, that’s the God’s honest truth.
“Hopefully he can carry on this form and fire us to glory.”
Elsewhere in Wednesday’s Champions League, Borussia Dortmund thrashed Sevilla 4-1 in Spain leading to Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal, amid links with Wolverhampton.
Lionel Messi set a new Champions League record, netting against a 40th opponent in Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw with Benfica, while Juventus got their first points with a 3-1 home win over Maccabi Haifa.
Holders Real Madrid moved a closer to last-16 qualification with a 2-1 home win over Shakhtar Donetsk, while RB Leipzig won 3-1 over Celtic.
Chelsea got their…
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