Haaland inspire Manchester City to 2-0 win over Napoli in Champions League opener

English side, Manchester City, defeated Italian side, SSC Napoli, 2-0, in the Uefa Champions League 2025/26 League Phase match on Thursday 18 September, 2025 at Etihad Stadium.

In the 20th minute of play, Napoli Captain, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, was shown a straight red card.

Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens, who dominated the showdown, went in front in the 56th minute through Norway striker, Erling Braut Haaland, and Jeremy Doku sealed the win for the hosts in the 65th minute.

Following the outcome of the match, Napoli head coach, Antonio Conte, said, “honestly, I didn’t see the situation again”, but that “the game was ruined” as a result. “I don’t know if it was right, but the referee made his decision and we have to accept it”. Conte says pulling out the Belgian midfield maestro in the aftermath was “the only decision I could do. I had only this option”, and insists that “we can do well in the Champions League”.

The former Chelsea manager confessed, it is “difficult” fielding against Manchester City, describing the Cityzens as “fantastic”.

Conte continued: “I think that already it’s difficult to play 11 against 11. After 20 minutes it was impossible. I think that also with 10 men, defensively we were really good. The two goals I think we can do much better.

“But I don’t have anything to tell to my players, because the commitment was good. I think if it had continued 11 against 11 we could see another game in my opinion, but you’re talking about Manchester City, a fantastic team.

“I come back to Italy with the mentality of the team, because I liked the way they suffered, suffered together.”

On the other side, Marcus Rashford, loanee from Manchester United, scored a brace to hand Barcelona all three points against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Result