Superhero Haaland is pure Hollywood for City

Norwegian plays starring role again — but Pep's preoccupied with actress snub

On a night when Erling Haaland set new standards in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola was preoccupied with Hollywood star Julia Roberts.

Never mind a record-equaling five goals in one match — or the Manchester City striker becoming the fastest and youngest player to score 30 in European club soccer's elite competition. Guardiola had other things on his mind after the 7-0 rout of RB Leipzig on Tuesday as City advanced to the quarterfinals with an 8-1 aggregate win.

Oscar winner Roberts, the City manager explained, is one of his three idols, along with Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.