Manchester City on track for Champions League semi-finals after beating Bayern Munich by three

Erling Haaland scored his 45th goal of the season as Manchester City claimed an emphatic 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The prolific Norwegian added to a stunning first-half strike from Rodri and a Bernardo Silva header as City took firm command of their last-eight tie in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland's 76th-minute goal, six minutes after Silva’s, set a new record for the most scored in a single season by a Premier League player in all competitions.

City’s victory over the six-time European champions – and manager Pep Guardiola’s former club – sent out a strong statement as they look to win the coveted continental prize for the first time.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who plotted Chelsea’s 2021 final win over City, this time had no answer as City gradually ground out control and then finished with a flourish.

The sides were well matched in a first half played in swirling rain.

As if Happened: Manchester City 3-0 Bayern Munich

City looked to get straight on the front foot and, with Silva lively, they caused some early moments of alarm in the Bayern box but the visitors soon settled.

Taking the sting out City’s play by retaining possession, Bayern patiently tried to work openings and they had the first serious chance when Alphonso Davies dragged a shot well wide.

City’s first opportunity came when goalkeeper Yann Sommer dwelt too long and almost allowed the dangerous Haaland to nip in but the ball deflected wide.

The home side created a more conventional opening when Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish combined to tee up Haaland but the striker’s effort was tame.

City’s 27th-minute opener came in spectacular fashion moments after Ruben Dias produced a fine block to deny Jamal