Haaland, Foden shines as City beats Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in UCL

Manchester City secured their first win of the Champions League season, defeating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in Slovakia on Tuesday.

Early goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden set the tone, with Erling Haaland and substitute James McAtee adding to the tally in a commanding performance.

City, despite making six changes from their previous match, controlled the game with ease, hitting the woodwork three times.

Gundogan opened the scoring after eight minutes, followed by Foden’s precise finish seven minutes later. Haaland extended the lead before halftime with his 42nd Champions League goal, and McAtee’s late strike sealed the win.

Slovan, playing at home in the group stage for the first time, provided a lively atmosphere, but City’s dominance was evident throughout.

Though manager Pep Guardiola expressed frustration over a few defensive lapses, City comfortably cruised to victory, boosting their campaign after a draw with Inter Milan earlier in the month.

Foden had a shot pushed onto the post and a Gundogan strike clipped the bar as City maintained the pressure before the interval.

City had a penalty appeal rejected after Lewis went down early in the second half and Haaland put a header over.

Haaland made no mistake when he added City’s third just before the hour, running onto a Lewis through-ball and casually rounding the keeper to tap in.