Few, if any young center-forwards have ruled the roost in European football like Erling Haaland. The 22-year-old Norwegian sensation has made the most astounding goal-scoring habits seem normal. Surely, there will eventually come a time when the Manchester City talisman fails to find the back of the net, but not on this thrilling Champions League night.

Haaland's former club Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 85 goals in just 88 games, almost accomplished the impossible by keeping him quiet for 84 minutes, and yet who else but the unstoppable striker still managed to produce a moment of magic.

As Joao Cancelo bent in an inviting cross from the left with the outside of his right foot, Haaland contorted his body in acrobatic fashion and steered a gorgeous volley beyond Dortmund goalkeeper Alexander Meyer. Such is the beauty of the staggering goal that City manager Pep Guardiola marveled that it invoked memories of his hero and mentor Johan Cruyff, one of the greatest players in football history.

"The people who know me maybe know the influence Johan Cruyff had on my life as a person, as an educator, as a mentor, as a coach and everything," beamed Guardiola after the game.

"Years ago Johan Cruyff scored an incredible goal in Camp Nou for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid similar to Haaland. The moment Erling scored I thought: 'Johan Cruyff.' It was quite, quite similar. It was an incredible assist by Joao and the finishing from Erling was exceptional."

Guardiola also observed that Haaland's technique reminded him of Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "I remember my dear friend Ibrahimovic had this ability to put his leg on the roof and Erling is quite similar in that," the Spanish tactician said.

"I think it is his nature, he is elastic, he is flexible, and after that he has the ability to make the contact and put the ball in the net. I think his mum and dad give him that flexibility."

Displaying a maturity beyond his years, Haaland notably declined to celebrate the majestic goal in a sign of respect to his former employers, but the numbers say it all. He has now netted 13 times in nine games since his blockbuster summer transfer from Dortmund. He also took his Champions League tally to 26 goals in just 21 appearances.

The defeat was cruel on Dortmund, who did so well for so long to outmaneuver the English champions. They deservedly took the lead when Jude Bellingham headed home Marco Reus' cross. The 19-year-old now has four Champions League goals, which makes him the record holder for most goals as an English teenager in the showpiece event.

To City's credit, they found the equalizer through sheer class and quality when John Stones unleashed a fantastic long-range strike from outside the box. And just when it looked like Dortmund had found a way to squeeze a precious draw, Haaland took the center stage once again with his breathtaking effort.

City's latest turnaround speaks volumes about their admirable resilience and title credentials. It was the third time in the new season that they have fallen behind only to stage a comeback.

"We had a lot of problems to reach our rhythm and were so passive in our movements. We struggled. We played in the wrong gear," mused Guardiola, who sent on three substitutes in the latter stages of the encounter. "When we realize we are 1-0 down and have the dynamic of Phil [Foden], Bernardo [Silver] and Julian [Alvarez], that gave us another rhythm. The Champions League doesn't wait and it doesn't forgive you."

City's strength of character will inevitably face sterner test when they take on a more resourceful side than Dortmund. The enduring struggle of their playmaker Jack Grealish, who failed to make any sort of impact before being hauled off by Guardiola, is another concern. But right now, it's time to sit back and enjoy the Erling Haaland show.