Manchester City lost their first points in the Champions League in Copenhagen. With archer Erling Haaland on the bench, things went wrong in the first half for the England champions: a goal disallowed, a missed penalty and a red card. For example, City stopped off at 0-0, but Dortmund’s draw means they are certain for a place in the last 16.
Copenhagen – Manchester City in a nutshell:
- statistics: City did not score a goal for the first time since 0-0 in April against Atletico.
- Key moments: No interference by the VAR.
- quotes: “Haaland was very tired.”
The VAR plays the leading role
Chef Guardiola’s surprise: He started in Copenhagen with Haaland on the sofa. But last week, the phenomenon was fantastic, scoring two goals in half a game.
Don’t worry, after 10 minutes the ball was already in. Rodri hit it in the upper left corner.
This was calculated without the VAR. He intervened for the first time and signaled to the referee a manual (light) presentation by Mahrez. The goal did not count.
The video referee appeared on stage and will continue to play for a while.
Bad luck for Rodri (right), his goal doesn’t matter.
Soon after, he performed again, but this time in favor of City. Now the VAR defender in Copenhagen has seen that Boilesen incorrectly touches the ball.
Mahrez prepared to convert a penalty like last week. Polish goalkeeper Grabara refused to play. Keep the number 0 on the board for Copenhagen.
In half an hour, the video referee pressed his button again, because Sergio Gomez suspended his opponent in Al Hilal. Red for the former Anderlecht player, City had to finish the match with ten.
Haaland does not come
Haaland will come after the break. No, at most the Norwegian got off the couch to stretch his legs.
Then De Bruyne tried from afar. He put the ball toward the far corner, and once again Grabara’s cap was ready. Cancelo also got to know the Copenhagen goalkeeper.
Suspicion struck Citi. He wouldn’t blow his opponent away this time.
Fifteen minutes before the end, Guardiola pushed De Bruyne to the side, but not Haaland. No, the great striker did not play.
For example, the Premier League champions are stuck 0-0 and 10 out of 12 in the Champions League. Because Sevilla couldn’t win in Dortmund, he already has a ticket to the next round.
Why didn’t Haaland play: He was too tired
After the match, Pep Guardiola had to explain why he had not brought Erling Haaland.
“He finished everything on Saturday after the league game against Southampton (4-0). He was very tired. And after days he recovered well,” the Manchester City coach explained.
Yesterday it didn’t go well. Today it was already better, but we didn’t want to take any risks.
Haaland is not the only one tired. Guardiola: “I have little. That’s why Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva didn’t start either.”
Can City count on Haaland again next Sunday? Then you play the role of the English superstar on the Liverpool website.
“Tomorrow we will have a rest day. Then we will prepare for the match,” the coach said.
We didn’t want to take risks with Haaland.
“Subtly charming internet specialist. Avid writer. Friendly alcohol guru. Music ninja. Devoted social media fanatic.”
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