Man City seal knockout spot, Haaland reaches top 20 all-time for Champions League goals

Manchester City dominated reigning Swiss champions BSC Young Boys to seal a place in the UEFA Champions League knockout round with a 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Erling Haaland scored twice — once from the spot, and once in alien fashion — to join Phil Foden on the score sheet in a controlling performance that saw Raphael Wicky's visitors fail to register a shot attempt.

[ MORE: Champions League tables ]

Pep Guardiola's side picked up a 3-1 victory in Bern two weeks ago, but the reigning European champions left no doubt in the return leg. City had 70 percent of the ball and put 10 of its 27 shots on target while piling up 3.50 xG while conceding zero.

City scored all three of their Tuesday goals prior to going up a man, as Sandro Lauper collected a second yellow card in the 53rd minute.

Erling Haaland makes more history with brace including sensational goal

Erling Haaland, at age 23, is now tied for 20th all-time for total goals in UEFA Champions League play.

The Norwegian is one behind Kylian Mbappe, who is one year older, as the European duo begin to wonder what's possible for their careers.

That's because Cristiano Ronaldo’s record is still about 100 goals away from both, and there's no guarantee that the Portuguese won't return to buttress his hold on the top honor at some point.

But given health, can't you see one of them making the unlikely charge toward the top? Both are at massive clubs that will be expected to play in the group stages every year, and both Haaland and Mbappe have been linked at times with moves to another free-scoring UCL regular in Real Madrid.

It does feel crazy to consider either scoring 142 goals in the UCL, but everyone starts somewhere and both Haaland and Mbappe began their runs as teenagers.

Haaland already has two double-digit UCL goal seasons under his belt. Ronaldo didn't have one until his age 27 year, when he began a run of seven-straight. Messi only did it five times, his first coming at 24.

Maybe?

What’s next?

The Premier League leaders go to Chelsea to face a rested and improving Blues side at 11:30pm ET Sunday. Young Boys host Luzern at 2:30pm ET Saturday.

Manchester City vs Young Boys final score: 3-0

Goal: Haaland (pen 23', 52'), Foden (45'+1)

Erling Haaland golazo! Haaland makes it 3-0 (goal video)

Outrageous stuff from the Norwegian. Wow.

Manchester City vs Young Boys at half: 2-0

It's not particularly close, and City's going to seal its Champions League knockout round space in about an hour.

City's xG advantage is 1.90-0.00 while holding 70 percent and putting six of its nine shots on target. Young Boys have put zero of their zero shot attempts on target.

Erling Haaland's penalty was well-taken but the second goal was special. Jack Grealish spun a sensational ball through traffic to the sprinting Phil Foden, who worked past his mark before curling home beyond the reach of Anthony Racioppi.

Young Boys are coached by former Chicago Fire and USYNT boss Raphael Wicky, and there's nothing he can do in the second half given City's play — the visitors have committed 13 fouls and have completed 130 passes. That's just over 30% of City's total for the first 45.

Phil Foden goal video

Erling Haaland goal video

How to watch Manchester City vs Young Boys live, stream link, start time

Date: Tuesday, November 7
Kick off: 3pm ET
How to watch: Paramount+ and TUDN USA