Haaland on bench for Man City at Real Madrid

Haaland on bench for Man City at Real Madrid

Manchester City's Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C) leaves the game, substituted during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is not fit enough to start against Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League play-off round.

The Norwegian sustained a knock on Saturday when City beat Newcastle in the Premier League and was named on the bench by Pep Guardiola at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Haaland scored twice in the first leg last week but Manchester City lost to the record 15-time European champions 3-2 at home.

Guardiola selected Omar Marmoush up front in place of Haaland after the January transfer window arrival netted a hat-trick in the 4-0 demolition of Newcastle.

City also start with new arrivals Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov in the side.

Real Madrid were able to name Antonio Rudiger in defence after injury, with Aurelien Tchouameni restored to his preferred midfield position.

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Real Madrid Manchester City Champions League Erling Haaland

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