Football

Champions League: Erling Haaland scores 5, Pep Guardiola rues Julia Roberts snub

Erling Haaland reminded the world why he is one of the most feared strikers in Europe with a five-star performance in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Borussia Dortmund star was in scintillating form as he scored five goals in a thumping 8-0 win over Belgian side Club Brugge.

The 20-year-old Norwegian was unplayable and his goalscoring feat was hailed by many as one of the greatest individual performances in Champions League history.

But while Haaland was making history, his manager Pep Guardiola was left to rue a missed opportunity.

The Manchester City boss had invited Hollywood star Julia Roberts to watch the game from the stands, only for the actress to decline the offer.

“It's a pity that Julia Roberts couldn't be here at the Signal Iduna Park to see Erling in action,” Guardiola said.

“He was fantastic. Five goals in one game is incredible. He is a special player and it's great to have him in the game.”

Haaland has now scored eight goals in three Champions League games this season, and his performance was the perfect inspiration for City ahead of their own Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

It is a performance that could well be remembered for years to come, even if Julia Roberts was not there to witness it.