Erling Haaland gave Manchester City the perfect start in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie with Real Madrid, finishing off a slick move.
Having spent the first 15 under the cosh against last season’s Champions League winners, City reminded everyone of the danger they possess with an eye-catching counter-attacking goal in the 19th minute.
After Jack Grealish, who was given a rare start in this huge game for Pep Guardiola’s men, found space on the left, the England forward clipped a nice ball over the top for Josko Gvardiol who had made a typical bombing run in behind.
The Croatian defender masterfully chested the ball down into the path of Haaland, who let the ball bounce beofre side-footing a finish past Thibaut Courtois.
ERLING HAALAND’S FIRST GOAL AGAINST REAL MADRID! 🔵👏#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/LEuBBBbmie
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 11, 2025
Haaland’s 27th goal of the season, confirmed after a lengthy VAR review for offside, sent the Etihad into raptures and helped City find their footing in what looks set to be another thrilling tie between these two sides in the Champions League.
It came after an early onslaught from the visitors, who could have had a penalty had it not been for the offside flag after Ederson brought down Vinicius Jr, who then also couldn’t find his feet at the right time when City’s goalkeeper was in no man’s land.
Kylian Mbappe also stung Ederson’s palms with an early shot before City punished them for their missed chances.
Unfortunately for Grealish, who had made an excellent start at the Etihad, he then had to be withdrawn after only half an hour after what looked like a pulled hamstring, with Phil Foden being introduced.
