09 May 2023 , 23:00
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Erling Haaland let Gary Neville down in his prediction ahead of Real Madrid and Manchester City's mammoth Champions League semi-final clash.
Two of Europe's finest teams played out a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, with Kevin De Bruyne emphatically cancelling out Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior's spectacular opener. There was, of course, no Erling Haaland on the scoresheet, as the Man City striker endured a rare off-night.
Failing to add to his incredible tally of 51 goals in all competitions this season, Haaland actually had the fewest touches of any outfielder and was nullified by a resolute Real Madrid defence. Neville had predicted the opposite, though, tipping the 22-year-old Norwegian to shine in Spain.
"A tough one for Madrid tonight," the Manchester United legend wrote on Twitter before kick-off. "Haaland and City in this form will take some stopping." Later, Neville tweeted: "Fancy [Jack] Grealish to step up tonight . Grown into his own the last few months and has started turning up in big games. Haaland to score!"
In fairness, Grealish performed closer to expectations than Haaland and contributed in the build-up to De Bruyne's thunderous equaliser with some neat attacking play. Meanwhile, his team-mate only had two half-chances in the entire game, as Haaland was well marshalled by Real Madrid centre-back pairing Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
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Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was called into action on one occasion, as Haaland found space on his favoured left-hand side of the penalty area and struck a low effort into his palms. In the second half, minutes before De Bruyne's stunning equaliser, Alaba slid in with a perfectly-timed challenge to block a powerful shot from a similar angle.
Have your say! Will Erling Haaland score in the second leg? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Erling Haaland was denied another goal in Madrid by some terrific defending (MB Media/Getty Images)Post-match, debate swirled around Haaland's performance, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola telling BT Sport: "The pockets and distances between the central defender and full-backs was occupied. It was not easy for Erling. He moved well and had his chances."
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti noted: "Defensively we were good. Rudiger against Haaland did well and the midfield had control. "The performance was good and we are happy. We have strong motivation for the next game."
Ex-Man United defender Rio Ferdinand then claimed that Rudiger and Alaba will go down as the strongest centre-back pairing Haaland has faced so far during his sensational season. "[Rudiger] was excellent. Alaba as well, he made one great block in the second half," Ferdinand explained after the game.
"You've got to be aggressive with Haaland. I still don't think that nullifies him completely but I thought today was the best I've seen a centre-back pairing play him."