ERLING HAALAND was back in business in less than seven minutes.
The Norwegian, who scored 52 goals for City last season, came on as a half-time substitute in their first pre-season friendly against Yokohama Marinos.
👀 Erling Haaland is getting ready for the new season! (@J_League) pic.twitter.com/qlJzihnXdT
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 2, 202
He has become an unstoppable force for Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
And he was back among the goals in the 52nd minute, spinning swiftly and blasting home from 12 yards.
Then, in stoppage time, he reappeared to tap in a low cross from Joao Cancelo, capping off an entertaining evening.
Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners returned to action for the first time since their historic night in Istanbul.
Six weeks in with only a few of training sessions, they struggled to get going, falling two goals behind against their sister club.
Anderson Lopes, a Brazilian forward, cut in from the right and saw his initial effort saved by Stefan Ortega, but had time to pounce on the rebound and score on the second attempt.
After a slip by Kalvin Phillips, Ken Matsubara surged away of the static defense to easily beat Ortega and double the lead.
Yokohama, who defeated Celtic 6-1 last week and are in the middle of their season, were having a good time.
Midfielder John Stones pulled one back after a move down the right, lashing home from the edge of the box.
That score was met with a fireworks show outside the stadium, and Nathan Ake almost equalized as his header hit the crossbar.
But the equalizer came just a few minutes later, with Julian Alvarez tapping home after Phillips had raced down the home goalie.
Guardiola brought on 10 outfield subs with the score tied at halftime.
Among them were last season’s top scorer Erling Haaland and Joao Cancelo, who was sent away in January after a spat with the manager.
Rodri, who scored the winner in the Champions League final, added a fourth for the visitors.
Rodri celebrated after adding Man City’s fourth goalCredit: Reuters
His strike from the edge of the box resembled the one he scored against Inter.
More than 61,500 people packed the Japan National Stadium for this game, and City will return on Wednesday to face Bayern Munich.
Kyle Walker, who was named captain despite attention from the German giants, will have a fascinating night.
Yokohama grabbed one back late in the game when Kenta Inoue capitalized on a mix-up between Ortega and Rico Lewis.
But Haaland had the ultimate say with a tap-in to cap off a successful night for Guardiola’s men.