Manchester City cruised to a commanding 2-0 triumph against Napoli in their Champions League campaign opener at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening.
The victory was secured through strikes from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku after the visitors were reduced to ten players.
Haaland etched his name into the record books by notching his 50th Champions League goal in merely 49 appearances, surpassing Ruud van Nistelrooy's previous benchmark by 13 matches.
The Norwegian's achievement represents the quickest half-century in the competition's history.
Erling Haaland scored his 50th Champions League goal on Thursday night in record speed
|REUTERS
The complexion of the encounter shifted dramatically when Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo received his marching orders during the opening period, leaving Antonio Conte's side facing an uphill battle.
The dismissal followed a VAR review which confirmed Di Lorenzo had caught Haaland with his boot whilst failing to make contact with the ball when the striker was bearing down on goal.
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The Italian defender's challenge left referee with no alternative but to brandish the red card.
Kevin De Bruyne's much-anticipated homecoming proved short-lived, with supporters displaying 'King Kev' banners and offering warm applause before his premature withdrawal.
Conte explained the substitution was necessary following the sending off, stating: "It was the only substitution that I could do. I was really sorry for him because it was the game against his old team but I think Kevin understood it very well."
Kevin De Bruyne, on his City return, was subbed off after Napoli went down to 10 men
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Despite their numerical disadvantage, Napoli's goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic delivered an exceptional display, producing multiple outstanding saves to maintain parity until half-time.
City's relentless pressure eventually told when Phil Foden's delicate lofted ball found Haaland, who guided a sublime header beyond Milinkovic-Savic's reach.
Jeremy Doku subsequently doubled the advantage with an impressive individual effort, weaving past defenders before finding the net.
Guardiola expressed satisfaction with his team's display, telling TNT Sports: "The team in the last two games took another feeling. Our composure defensively, offensively, our body language is unbelievably good."
Regarding Doku's performance, the City manager added: "In small spaces, five metres, he is unstoppable. Really, really good."
The Norwegian striker has now registered 130 goals across 151 City appearances, with 12 strikes already this campaign for club and country.
City's emphatic display leaves them well-positioned for their Premier League encounter with Arsenal on Sunday.
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Erling Haaland has been in formidable form this season already, scoring six times
|REUTERS
Guardiola acknowledged the significance of the upcoming fixture, noting: "It's a tough week. We have an incredible challenge on Sunday, but going there with these feelings is much better."
Former Manchester United players Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay endured frustrating evenings for the Italian visitors.
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The on-loan striker struggled in isolation up front, whilst McTominay was unable to demonstrate the attacking prowess that has impressed in Serie A.
Conte praised his players' commitment despite the defeat, remarking: "I don't have anything to tell to my players because the commitment, the attitude was good."