Erling Haaland seals Manchester City’s first-leg demolition of Bayern Munich

Could this be the year, at long last, for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola? The evidence is mounting, the latest exhibit from a team hitting form at just the right time unfolding in front of shocked German eyes. And those of the rest of Europe.

It is City’s 12th consecutive season in the Champions League and, under Guardiola in particular, they seem to have found new and increasingly painful ways to fall short of the ultimate prize, the one that so obsesses their Abu Dhabi owners.

But as they subjected Bayern Munich – the six-times winners – to a hugely uncomfortable experience towards the end of this quarter-final, first leg, it was easy for their fans to dream.

When the third goal went in, scored – inevitably – by Erling Haaland, his 45th of a ludicrous debut season in sky blue, Thomas Tuchel, the new Bayern manager, stared into his screen, trying to make sense of it all. His players sloped back for the restart; dejected, knowing it is surely over.

John Stones had headed square for Haaland and, at that point, the Etihad was still giddy at City’s second goal. It was a personal disaster for Dayot Upamecano, who was robbed by Jack Grealish, and Haaland’s subsequent cross was made to measure for the outstanding Bernardo Silva, who headed home.

Tuchel’s only consolation was that the damage could and should have been heavier, his team left to chase shadows. Yann Sommer made a series of saves, including late ones to keep out the substitute, Julián Álvarez (twice) and Rodri, who had scored the first goal.

The tactical duel had been framed when the team sheets dropped, Guardiola sticking with his recent back four for the big games, which meant no Kyle Walker; Tuchel choosing pace. The Bayern front four bristled with it,