Erling Haaland backed to outdo Cristiano Ronaldo with Man City 'lucky' in Napoli win

Pep Guardiola has thrown his weight behind Erling Haaland to outdo Cristiano Ronaldo and shatter the Champions League's scoring record after the Norwegian sensation became the quickest player to net 50 goals in the competition. Haaland, who scored Manchester City's first goal against Napoli, reached this milestone in just 49 appearances, smashing Ruud van Nistelrooy's record by a whopping 13 games.

The 25-year-old is now on par with Thierry Henry in ninth place for goals in the Champions League, but he still trails Lionel Messi by 79 and Cristiano Ronaldo by 90. However, Guardiola is confident that if Haaland continues to perform at his current level at the Etihad, he can surpass these records. His goal in the 2-0 Champions League victory over the Serie A champions brought his tally to six goals in five games this season.

"In that rhythm, yeah [he can break the record]," the City boss affirmed. "He's not injured, he could play for 10 or 12 more years, and if he maintains this progression, absolutely. What can I say? The numbers speak for themselves.

"We are lucky to have him. Just to congratulate him, because he's alongside goalscorers like Van Nistelrooy, Lewandowski, but especially the two monsters Cristiano and Messi for 20 years, for Erling to be there is unbelievable."

Guardiola also believes Haaland has stepped up his game this season. He has been added to City's four-man leadership group and thrives on the responsibility of leadership, while benefiting from his greater experience. "It's a question of playing a lot, gaining experience, participating in more important games and his mentality as well," Guardiola concluded.

The goal from Haaland was masterfully set up by Phil Foden, who delivered a sublime assist with a delicate touch of his left boot. Guardiola is thrilled to see his star player back in form after overcoming last season's injury woes and off-field issues.

"You cannot imagine before how we miss Phil," he said. "The last two games have been the Phil that we know.

"When he played close to Erling two years ago, Phil was the best player in the Premier League. He's dangerous close to the box, we are so happy because I know he is happy and his life is fine, the rest is natural."