Manchester City is looking for space for Haaland

The reactions after the 1-1 semi-final first leg of the Champions League between Real Madrid and Manchester City were just as draw as the result. “Somehow bitter,” said Real Defense Chief David Alaba, “because we came out really well in the second half and are closer to 2-0 than they were 1-1.”

City coach Pep Guardiola took a similar view: “Real scored when we were a little better – and we equalized when they were better.” Alaba and his central defender colleague Antonio Rüdiger almost completely slowed down his goalscorer Erling Haaland: The Norwegian only got the ball 21 times. “Alaba and Rüdiger were so close to Erling, so there was very little space. Maybe we can do a few Adjust things,” said Guardiola. “Everything will be decided in Manchester.”

The second leg takes place on Tuesday, for Rüdiger “probably the most difficult away game there is at the moment. But to be honest: we’re looking forward to it.”

A scandal broke out away from the game: Alf-Inge Haaland, the father of the City striker, was escorted out of the VIP box by the security guards during the second half, along with his companion, because they had messed with fans of the home team.

Videos show, among other things, how Alf-Inge Haaland insults the fans with an obscene gesture. He gave a “terrible picture” that was in contrast to the sportsmanship “that his son usually shows on the field,” commented the trade journal “Mundo Deportivo”.