Manchester City kicked off their 2025-26 Champions League campaign with a dominant 2-0 victory over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on September 18, 2025.
Erling Haaland scored his record-breaking 50th Champions League goal in the 56th minute, and Jeremy Doku sealed the win 10 minutes later.
Napoli played with 10 men after captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s early red card, but City made the most of their advantage.
This result tops off a strong week for Pep Guardiola’s side, following their Manchester derby win, as fans in Europe and the UK celebrate as of 10:45 AM IST today, Friday, September 19, 2025.
Match Highlights and Goals
The game turned on the 21st-minute red card to Di Lorenzo for a reckless challenge on Haaland, confirmed by VAR.
Napoli held firm in the first half, with City firing 16 shots but only one on target, thanks to keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s heroics.
City broke through in the second half when Phil Foden’s scooped pass found Haaland, who headed home past Milinkovic-Savic.
Doku then danced through the defense for a low finish, his first UCL goal for City.
Napoli managed just one shot all game, the fewest by a side in the competition since Benfica vs Bayern last season.
Haaland’s goal came in his 49th UCL appearance, smashing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of 62 games and Lionel Messi’s 66.
It’s his 27th for City in 50 matches, with 130 total goals in 151 appearances across all competitions. Phil Foden created eight chances, the most in his City career.
Key Performances and Team News
Haaland led the charge, with Foden’s creativity shining. Doku dazzled on the wing, while Rodri returned strongly in midfield.
Kevin De Bruyne, back at his old club, played 25 minutes before substitution, earning a warm ovation.
City’s lineup featured Trafford in goal, with subs like Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake, and Oscar Bobb freshening things up.
Napoli’s Antonio Conte switched to a defensive shape after the red, praising his team’s effort: “It’s difficult 11 v 11, impossible with 10.”
Conte added, “The referee made his decision—we accept it.”
Napoli’s XI: Milinkovic-Savic, Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola, Lobotka, Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay, Hojlund. Subs included Elmas, Gilmour, and Neres. City: Trafford, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake, Rodri, Bernardo Silva (c), Reijnders, Foden, Haaland, Doku; subs Lewis, Ake, Bobb.
Round-Up of Other Champions League Matches
The opening matchday delivered drama. Barcelona beat Newcastle 2-1, with Marcus Rashford scoring twice on his return to England—the first English player to net for Barca in the UCL.
His header and long-range strike inspired the win, though Anthony Gordon pulled one back late.
Club Brugge thrashed Monaco 4-1, led by Hans Vanaken. Eintracht Frankfurt crushed Galatasaray 5-1, with Jonathan Burkardt’s double.
Sporting CP edged Kairat Almaty 4-1, Francisco Trincão netting twice.
These results highlight the league phase’s intensity, with connections like Monaco facing Napoli next.
Post-Match Reactions
Pep Guardiola lauded his team’s patience: “We were excellent for one hour… After the goal, we forgot to play but got the result.”
Phil Foden called it a “perfect start against a nightmare team to break down.”
Conte rued the red card but praised Napoli’s structure. Sky Sports noted City’s 16 first-half shots vs Napoli’s one, underscoring their dominance.
On X, fans raved. Squawka posted, “Phil Foden created 8 chances vs Napoli—the most in his City career!”
Another highlighted, “Napoli’s 1 shot is the fewest since Benfica vs Bayern.”
What’s Next?
City faces Monaco on Matchday 2 (September 30-October 1).
Napoli hosts Sporting CP. The league phase runs until January 2026, with top eight straight to round of 16.
Stay tuned for more UCL action!