Erling Haaland goal: Man City forward hailed for acrobatic Champions League goal against Sparta Prague

Words hardly do justice to the athleticism and quality required to produce the finish Haaland achieved, and even his team-mates were in awe.

In his pitch-side interview after the game, Foden told TNT Sports: “I just spoke to him and said: ‘If I tried to do that I’d pull my groin!’

“I don’t know how he does it. It shows he has this talent that no-one else can do.”

The strike was reminiscent of one Haaland scored against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League two years ago.

But that, as brilliant as it was, was a volley scored when he was facing towards the net. His goal against Sparta Prague on Wednesday was as he was facing the wrong direction, but somehow managed to twist and produce enough power with his backheel volley to score.

“It was an amazing goal,” Nunes said. “I was speechless after that shot.

“When he scored against Dortmund I was watching on TV. To see this live was amazing.”

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott said on TNT Sports: “It was a unique finish.

“It is not a finish many strikers would attempt or even execute. It is unique to him and his athleticism.”

Ex-Manchester City defender and England captain Steph Houghton said on Match of the Day: “That finish was something else.

“He is the only striker in the world who can score from those positions.”