Ivorian International Sébastien Haller scores four times as Ajax white wash Sporting Lisbon in Champion League opener
Ivorian International Sébastien Haller nets four goals in Ajax 5-1 away win over Sporting Lisbon in Champion League in Portugal. Haller, who was making a debut, managed a brace in each half to become the first player to score four times in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
And the first African player to score four goals in a single Champions League game. The first two goals came under 10′ minutes after heading home for the first and tapping in for his second.
Ajax produced impressive display to white-washed Sporting Lisbon `5-1 `in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Sébastien Haller made the major headlines on Wednesday at after grabbing four goals in the end of group C first group stage games.
The Ivorian International produced moments of vibrancy at Estadio Jose Alvalade completing a hat-trick by the 51’ minute. He gave Ajax the lead 2’ minutes into the game and extended the lead seven minutes later.
Sporting Lisbon pulled one back on 33’ minute when Paulinho struck through the arms of Ajax keeper Pasveer and that appears the only goal the Portuguese outfit could register throughout the 90’ minutes.
Steve Berghuis made it 3-1 in favor of Ajax six minutes later who played as the away side.
With Ajax continue to dominate possession there was no doubt Haller would score again having the third goal delayed but as 6’ minute after recess, the Ivorian forward completed his hat-trick.
That is the first ever Champions League hat-trick this season. Haller scored his fourth of the night midway to end proceedings 5-1 for Ten Hag’s men.
The bigger Champions League history
Sebastien Haller became only the second player to score four goals on their Champions League debut, joining Marco van Basten.
