'He's a walking cheat code!' - Erling Haaland needs just seven minutes to score against FC Copenhagen

Erling Haaland continued his incredible form for Manchester City with an early opening goal against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Haaland, 22, has made a blistering start to his City career and has already scored three hat-tricks for his new club, including one against rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

While some predicted that City manager Pep Guardiola might rest the Norwegian against Copenhagen on Wednesday, Haaland was named in the starting line-up for the match at the Etihad.

And predictably, it was the former Borussia Dortmund striker who opened the scoring.

Just seven minutes into the match, he collected the ball inside the area before firing an unstoppable finish past Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.

It was his 18th goal of the season in all competitions, coming in only his 12th appearance for City.

The goal was also his 27th in the Champions League, moving him level with the likes of Rivaldo and Luis Suarez in the all-time list of top scorers.

BT Sport commentator Adam Summerton summed it up perfectly when describing Haaland's opening goal: "Inevitable. Relentless. He's a walking, talking cheat code!"

City fans on social media were equally as impressed with the Norway international.

"Bro is playing career mode on amateur," joked one fan on Twitter.

Another added: "Haaland at it again!!! Surely not another hat-trick tonight."

While a third wrote: "This kid is something else."

Later in the half, Haaland grabbed his second of the match, firing home from close range after Grabara spilled a shot into his path.

It took him to 28 goals in the Champions League, the same number scored in the competition by Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs and former Marseille, Milan and Bayern Munich forward Jean-Pierre Papin.

Speaking earlier this week, City boss Guardiola hailed Haaland as the best young player in world football.

"At his age, no-one can compete with him, no-one," said Guardiola. "The numbers speak for themselves."

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Topics: Erling Haaland, Football, Manchester City, Champions League

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan