Why Erling Haaland Missed Manchester Citys Crucial Clash Against Real Madrid?

Erling Haaland was benched for Manchester City's key Champions League clash against Real Madrid after suffering a knee injury in the 2-0 win over Newcastle. The striker had started all 34 Premier League and Champions League games this season. Despite training, he was deemed unfit. City need to win by two goals or force extra time.

When the stakes were highest in Manchester City's season, they were dealt a major blow as Erling Haaland was ruled out of the starting lineup for their crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid on February 20, 2025. Haaland, who had featured in all 34 of City's Premier League and Champions League matches this season, sustained a knee injury late in their weekend win over Newcastle. Although he trained with the squad on Tuesday and traveled to Madrid, he was deemed unfit to start and only made the bench.

Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Haaland didn't feel ready after a light training session and opted for other players. Key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was also only fit enough for the bench, with Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Nico Gonzalez starting in midfield. January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush were both given starting roles after impressing in the 3-0 victory over Newcastle.

City faced a daunting task at the Bernabeu, needing to win by two goals to progress or by one to force extra time. Their recent record in Madrid includes two draws, with their last win at the venue coming in 2020. Guardiola acknowledged that near perfection would be required to stay alive in the competition.