Man City edge Napoli 2-0 after red card as Haaland nets 50th CL goal

Manchester City opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, a result decided after Napoli were reduced to 10 men early on and Erling Haaland marked a landmark moment in the second half. Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off in the 21st minute following a VAR review for a last-man tackle on Haaland, and City took advantage when Haaland headed home in the 56th minute and Jérémy Doku added a brilliant solo strike in the 65th to seal the victory.

The match turned decisively after Di Lorenzo's dismissal. Referee Felix Zwayer initially allowed play to continue before being advised by VAR to review the incident at the pitchside monitor, after which he issued a straight red. Napoli coach Antonio Conte said the card "ruined" his team's Champions League return, telling TNT Sports that a red so early "changes the game" and makes it "impossible" to match Manchester City. Di Lorenzo later posted an apology on Instagram, saying he accepted responsibility and was "proud" of teammates who "fought until the very last minute."

City endured a patient opening half despite superior territory. Reports said Napoli managed just one shot and around 26...