Erling Haaland was left fuming with the officials during Manchester City’s dramatic Champions League draw with Real Madrid especially after being slapped in the face.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland was slapped in the face by the referee against Real Madrid, triggering a grovelling apology.
The Norwegian was named in City’s starting line-up for the trip to the Bernabeu and endured somewhat of a frustrating evening. His anger grew after a tricky first-half.
French referee Francois Letexier threw his arm out at half-time, accidentally catching Haaland square in the face with the back of his hand. The striker threw his arms up in response and turned around to look at the official.
That triggered a swift apology from Letexier, who assured the striker that the clash was accidental. Haaland’s frustration grew throughout what was an encapsulating game at the Bernabeu.
Bernardo Silva scored within the first two minutes for City, only for an own-goal from Ruben Dias and a strike from Rodrygo to turn the game around. Cracking strikes from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol saw City go ahead.
Federico Valverde equalised with 10 minutes remaining for the Spanish giants. Haaland will certainly hope he has better luck and no more run-ins with the officials over the next few weeks.
The forward has been in terrific form for Man City this season once again. He has 30 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions – six of those having come in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s side welcome Luton to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday for what could be a crucial game in the Premier League title race. Haaland will then renew rivalries with Real Madrid next week in the second-leg at the Etihad.
Away from Haaland, Guardiola will hope to welcome back Kevin De Bruyne, who missed out against Real Madrid. The Belgian playmaker was ill before the game.
“Vomit. He feels unwell,” Guardiola revealed to TNT Sports. Asked if he could appear at all, Guardiola added “I don’t know. We made a meeting, he was ready and when we arrived in the locker room he started to vomit and feel unwell and he said: I’m not ready.
“Of course, it’s not good news, but it is what it is – another player is going to play and they are ready to play 90 minutes and everyone is going to help.” De Bruyne was still given a place on the bench for City but was not introduced at any stage by Guardiola.
