Manchester City won their UEFA Champions League group on Tuesday in their penultimate game of this round, beating RB Leipzig 3-2 to move six points clear at the top with only one game left.
The Cityzens shockingly found themselves 2-0 down at home by the 33rd minute following a Lois Openda brace but Guardiola's men pulled off a remarkable comeback, one which was inspired by Erling Haaland's 54th-minute goal.
The Norwegian pulled one back for the home side, with Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez later getting on the scoresheet to complete the win. However, it was Haaland who made UEFA Champions League history in that game, becoming the fastest player in the competition's history to reach 40 goals.
This record previously belonged to Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who needed 45 games to reach this feat. Haaland needed 10 fewer outings, reaching the 40-goal mark in only 35 Champions League outings.
Erling Haaland has reached 40 Champions League goals in fewer appearances (35) and at a younger age (23y 130d) than any other player in the competition's history. #UCL pic.twitter.com/rcLZ0gr4H4
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 28, 2023
As a result, the Norwegian superstar was one of several key talking points during the post-match press conference. However, Pep Guardiola gave a sarcastically hilarious response when asked for his thoughts on his 23-year-old forward.
"Again? I have to tell you again? A thousand million times, I'm really impressed [with Haaland]," the Spaniard sarcastically responded. Check it out in the clip below.
"To tell you again... We love him!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 29, 2023
Pep Guardiola Erling Haalandpic.twitter.com/WZV96BVgAL
This feat just comes days after he became the fastest player to score 50 goals in the Premier League, reaching this feat thanks to his goal in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, his 48th game in the competition.
The former Dortmund ace has 19 goals in 18 matches across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. However, after winning their group, the focus now shifts to the weekend as Guardiola's men prepare to host Tottenham.
While Spurs have lost their last three games in a row, the North London side remain a tricky team, which means Haaland and Co. will have to be at their best come Sunday.