UCL: Which Messi record can Haaland break in Champions League showdown against Real Madrid?
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Erling Haaland could break Lionel Messi's long-standing Champions League record against Real Madrid (Credit: Imago)

UCL: Which Messi record can Haaland break in Champions League showdown against Real Madrid?

Seye Omidiora 09:20 - 19.02.2025

Erling Haaland could make Champions League history in Wednesday's clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has the chance to make Champions League history in Wednesday's play-off second leg against Real Madrid

The 24-year-old is already one of the most prolific goalscorers in the competition's history and could break two records in the match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Haaland chases Messi’s Champions League record

Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland celebrates scoring for Manchester City against Real Madrid on February 11, 2025 (Credit: Imago)

Haaland is currently tied with Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano on 49 Champions League goals in 48 appearances. 

If the centre-forward scores against Real Madrid on Wednesday, he will become the youngest and fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition's history, eclipsing Lionel Messi (24y 284d) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (50 goals in (62 games), respectively.

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi in action for Barcelona in April 2012 (Credit: Imago)

Haaland already holds the record for being the quickest player to reach 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 Champions League goals.  

The Man City man is also the only player to score a first-half hat-trick in his maiden appearance in the competition, a feat achieved in Salzburg's 6-2 success over Genk in September 2019. 

The Norwegian striker is expected to start for Manchester City on Wednesday, despite picking up a minor knee injury in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United last weekend. 

Pep Guardiola will be hoping that Haaland can continue his goalscoring form and help them overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg.

The winner of the tie will advance to the tournament’s round of 16.