Manchester City 5-0 Sparta Prague: Cityzens Player Ratings as they exert full dominance in big win | UEFA Champions League 2024-25

Manchester City were in impeccable form, cruising for 90 minutes, as they beat Czech side Sparta Prague 5-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday (October 23). Following their 2-1 Premier League win over Wolves (October 20), Pep Guardiola made five changes to the side, with Manuel Akanji, Phil Foden, and Nathan Ake making starts.

It was all Manchester City from start to finish, with the visitors barely getting into the game. They began well, with Foden breaking the deadlock after just three minutes, firing home after receiving the ball at the edge of the box.

They took their chances more accurately in the second half. Erling Haaland was back to his scoring ways, finding the back of the net after 58 minutes with an audacious backheel.

John Stones made it 3-0 six minutes later, beating the keeper with a great header after being set up by Matheus Nunes. Haaland made it 4-0 soon after (68') with a simple finish, with the Portuguese midfielder providing yet again.

Nunes himself got on the scoresheet in the 88th minute. He won a penalty and took it himself, sending the keeper the wrong way and making it 5-0.

The result means it is Premier League domination as all the top three sides (Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Manchester City) are from England. Guardiola's side are now without a loss in Europe over their last 26 games, equalling the record for the longest-ever such run set by Manchester United across 2007-09. Here are the player ratings:

Manchester City Player Ratings

Stefan Ortega - 6/10

A quiet day out as Ortega did not have much to do outside a solitary save in the first half.

Rico Lewis - 6.5/10

Lewis moved into midfield in possession and was comfortable on the ball. He created four chances and had a passing accuracy of 92% (59/64).

John Stones - 7/10

Similar to Lewis, Stones took up advanced positions and was a key presence for Manchester City for 74 minutes, with a passing accuracy of 97% (76/78). He scored with a header and has now found the back of the net in back-to-back matches.

Manuel Akanji - 6.5/10

A composed outing from the Switzerland international who stepped in for Ruben Dias and also collected an assist for Foden's goal. Along with a passing accuracy of 94% (103/110), Akanji made five recoveries.

Nathan Ake - 6.5/10

He has seemed to lose playing time, with Guardiola preferring Josko Gvardiol in the left-back position. However, Ake hardly put a foot wrong against Sparta and also had a goal ruled out. In his 74 minutes on the pitch, he made 81/86 passes (94%).

Ilkay Gundogan - 6.5/10

A decent performance from the German in midfield, with five passes into the final third and one chance created. He made four recoveries with a 92% (72/78) passing accuracy.

Bernardo Silva - 6.5/10

Manchester City had about 80% possession and Silva was a key factor behind that. His passing (38/41) and calmness on the ball ensured the side were dominant throughout the fixture.

Matheus Nunes - 8/10

Handed a rare start, Nunes was impressive on the left side of midfield for Manchester City. He collected two assists and a goal and was a lively presence throughout the fixture. He had three successful dribbles and won three tackles while making seven recoveries.

Savinho - 7/10

He was a constant threat down the right flank, setting up Haaland's first goal. Savinho finished the game with five chances created, four successful dribbles, and two accurate crosses.

Erling Haaland - 8/10

A return to scoring ways for Haaland, collecting a brace. His stunning flick made it 2-0 for City before he showed his usual cool to add to his tally.

Phil Foden - 7.5/10

He has not started much this season but Foden impressed against their lowly opposition. He opened the scoring with a brilliant strike and was effective throughout, linking up well with his teammates.

Substitutes

James McAtee - 6/10

Replaced Gundogan for the last 20 minutes and was decent with a passing accuracy of 85% (11/13).

Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and Nico O'Reilly - N/A

The four players came on late to see the game out and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.