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Erling Haaland Equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Scoring Streak Record in Champions League Win

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 9:38 AM ET

Look, we’ve all heard the debate about who’s better—Messi or Ronaldo. But right now, there’s a Norwegian goal machine quietly (okay, not so quietly) making a case that he belongs in that conversation. Erling Haaland just did something that only one other player in modern football history has managed to pull off: score in 12 consecutive matches across all competitions.

Yeah, you read that right. Twelve. Straight. Games.

Haaland’s Hot Streak Continues Against Villarreal

Manchester City rolled into Spain on Tuesday night and did what they do best—dominate. The Citizens dispatched Villarreal 2-0 in their Champions League clash, and surprise, surprise, Haaland was on the scoresheet. Again.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a slick pass from Rico Lewis to slot home his 22nd goal in his last 12 appearances. Captain Bernardo Silva added a second before halftime, effectively killing off any hope Villarreal had of pulling off an upset.

But here’s the kicker—this wasn’t just another goal for Haaland. This strike meant he’d now scored in 12 consecutive matches for both club and country, equaling a record that Cristiano Ronaldo set during his time at Real Madrid back in 2018. CR7’s streak was legendary then, and it still is now. The fact that Haaland has matched it? Well, that’s pretty remarkable.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s talk stats, because when it comes to Haaland, the numbers are almost unfair.

In those 12 matches where he’s found the back of the net, the Norwegian has scored 22 goals and provided three assists. Twenty-two goals in 12 games. Let that sink in for a second. For context, most strikers would be thrilled with that return over an entire season.

And this isn’t some flash-in-the-pan form either. Haaland has been absolutely relentless since the start of this season, racking up 24 goals and three assists across all competitions. Whether he’s playing in the Premier League, Champions League, or pulling on the Norway jersey, defenders simply can’t stop him.

How Does This Compare to Ronaldo’s Record?

So, how does Haaland’s streak stack up against Ronaldo’s? Well, for starters, both players managed to score in 12 consecutive games—that much is obvious. But the context matters.

When Ronaldo achieved this feat in 2018, he was at the peak of his powers with Real Madrid, terrorizing defenses week in and week out in La Liga and the Champions League. It was a period where he seemed almost untouchable, breaking records left and right.

Haaland, on the other hand, is doing this in the Premier League—arguably the most competitive league in the world—while also shining on the European stage. The Norwegian’s physical presence, combined with his clinical finishing, makes him a nightmare for any backline. And unlike some strikers who rely solely on service, Haaland creates his own chances with intelligent positioning and movement.

Can Haaland Surpass Ronaldo’s Record?

Here’s where things get interesting. Haaland has matched Ronaldo’s record, but can he break it? Based on current form, it’s hard to bet against him.

Manchester City’s next fixture will give the Norwegian the chance to set a new benchmark and officially surpass one of football’s all-time greats. And honestly? Given how he’s been playing, you’d be foolish to think he won’t score.

The scary part for defenders across Europe is that Haaland shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, he seems to be getting better with each passing game. His movement off the ball is exceptional, his finishing is ice-cold, and his confidence is sky-high. That’s a dangerous combination.

What This Means for Manchester City

For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, having a player like Haaland in this kind of form is invaluable. The Citizens are chasing silverware on multiple fronts this season, and having a striker who can guarantee goals week after week takes so much pressure off the rest of the team.

City’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal keeps their Champions League campaign on track, and with Haaland leading the line, they’re going to be a tough team to knock out. Sure, they’ve had their struggles in this competition in recent years (we won’t mention that final), but with a goal scorer of Haaland’s caliber, anything is possible.

The Bigger Picture

It’s worth stepping back and appreciating just how special this moment is. We’re watching a player who could very well go down as one of the greatest strikers of all time. At just 25 years old, Haaland has already achieved things that most players can only dream of.

Equaling Ronaldo’s record is no small feat. CR7 is one of the most decorated players in football history, someone who redefined what it means to be a goal scorer at the highest level. For Haaland to match that—and potentially surpass it—speaks volumes about his talent and mentality.

And let’s be real: if Haaland keeps this up, we’re going to be talking about him in the same breath as Messi and Ronaldo sooner rather than later. That’s not hyperbole; that’s just facts.

What’s Next for Haaland?

So where does Haaland go from here? Well, if history is any indication, he’ll probably just keep scoring goals. That’s what he does best.

Manchester City have a packed schedule ahead, with crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competitions. For Haaland, every match is an opportunity to add to his already impressive tally and cement his legacy as one of the game’s elite strikers.

Will he break Ronaldo’s record in the next game? Who knows. But one thing’s for sure—defenders better watch out, because Erling Haaland is on a mission.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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