The fourteen-time Champions League Champions will face last year’s Champions League winner, the defending Champions Man City. Last year when the Madrid Whites took on Man City 11 months ago they were humbled by Man City’s masterclass 4-0. Manchester City then attempted to win the Champions League by defeating the Italian powerhouse Inter Milan. Whereas Erling Haaland took City to victory.
Last year of the Champions League the Norweigan striker Erling Haaland had a blast by scoring the most goals in that season of football and winning the treble. With his powerful hitting abilities he fell short in the Ballon d’Or as he came second. Haaland’s 31 goals this season in the 2023-24 season have been tremendous and impressive.
Haaland Slow Season For Manchester City
But he hasn’t found the net against Madrid in his past 3 appearances against the club and failed to score even once as Madrid’s own Rudiger gave him a hard time keeping him out of the scoring radar. The Spanish media has been brutally harsh against Haaland for not scoring a single goal against them.
Rudiger alongside some midfielders not allow the ball to pass to Haaland in any case, making it easy for Madrid to keep Haaland inside their pockets. The Madrid sports daily “Marca” described Haaland’s performance as “impotent” and “Clumsy” and also said “desperate”. The biggest challenge comes across if he evens the odds if Manchester City manages to defeat Madrid in their home ground Etihad Stadium.
Madrid’s Strong Defense To Keep Out Manchester City
Real Madrid always had an arsenal of goated defense from Sergio Ramos and Pepe to Rudiger and Nacho Madrid always delivers the class of their players. But somehow Pep Guardiola couldn’t use Haaland in his position due to the toughest competition Haaland has faced. Pep Guardiola’s tactics were pretty clear if they couldn’t score the goal by giving it to the striker or crosses, they just had to shoot from outside the box which miraculously worked because of Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.
Haaland may have to wait till he clears up his mind and fights against the toughest side of Europe for Manchester City. Since then maybe Julian Alvarez may take charge against Madrid, his former childhood club. Alongside Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva with his great performance against Real Madrid might be a real threat to them.
Can Haaland turn the tables For Manchester City?
There might be an exception for Erling Haaland to score and make it easier for him to defeat Real Madrid. However, there might be a new plan for Pep Guardiola’s side to keep Haaland relevant for the squad. There may be changes in the tactics for the club which may cause Erling Haaland to shoot from far behind or to get the long balls from the defenders and make the runs anonymously.
Which makes it easier for Manchester City to score and utilize Haaland. Real Madrid knows of the Pep Guardiola’s tactics how to use Erling Haaland and how they will receive the ball into Haaland’s feet. That’s why Rudiger was in charge ahead of his clash. In the latest meeting against Real Madrid, Haaland had the second-lowest ratings in the squad. Which created a bad impression on the visiting side. The clash between the two heavyweights may define the future for both teams. Who will bag the win?
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Ayush is a passionate football player. His childhood club is Real Madrid and his in-depth analysis of the sport and knowledge is phenomenal. He also watches combat sports and is enthusiastic about it. His creativity and his quick thinking ability make him more charismatic in this field.
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