Sports Desk, Feb 28 (EFE).- Erling Haaland became first player of a top-flight club to score five goals in a FA Cup match since George Best in 1970, as holders Manchester City eased into the quarterfinals of the tournament with a 6-2 victory over Luton Town on Tuesday.
Kevin de Bruyne laid on the first four of five goals from Haaland, who achieved the feat a second time in his short City career, having also scored five goals in the Champions League round of 16 last year.
Leicester City required extra time to beat Bournemouth, while Newcastle United knocked out Blackburn Rovers in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to join City in the quarterfinals.
City opened the scoring with a trademark goal to take an early lead as Haaland swept a De Bruyne cutback home in just three minutes.
The duo combined again on 18 minutes, as Haaland brought down Stefan Ortega’s pinpoint pass, laid off to De Bruyne, and raced past his mark after a quick return pass to double the lead.
Haaland completed his hat-trick in the first half as De Bruyne supplied the striker again with a perfect pass.
Luton pulled one back on the stroke of halftime through Jordan Clark, who curled a jaw-dropping effort into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Clark was again on target after halftime to reduce the deficit.
Haaland settled the tie soon with his fourth and fifth goal in the space of three minutes.
Haaland’s tally put him alongside Frank Roberts and Bobby Marshall for most goals by a City player in a single FA Cup game.
Roberts scored five in February 1926’s 11-4 fifth round win over Crystal Palace, while Marshall hit five in January 1930’s 10-1 fourth round replay victory over Swindon Town.
Haaland has now scored 30 goals this season, 17 in the Premier League, five in the FA Cup and six in the Champions League.
“What can I say? The passing was good, the goals were good and we had two or three more chances to score more. The players played really well,” said City coach Pep Guardiola.
Mateo Kovacic added a sixth to wrap up the win.
The win took City to the quarterfinals for the sixth consecutive season.
They have not fallen before the semifinals since the 2017-2018 season. EFE
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