Real Madrid News
Haaland claims 4-0 win over Real Madrid last season was the best game in Man City’s history
Erling Haaland has once again enjoyed a blistering start to the new season, racking up six goals in four matches so far.
But Haaland is not the only ex-Dortmund player who has enjoyed a good start to the season. Even his former teammate Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a good start at Real Madrid, with Haaland himself praising the Englishman.
But apart from his comments on Bellingham, Haaland has recently spoken about Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last season.
“The win against Real Madrid [4-0], which is perhaps the best match in City’s history,” Haaland said (h/t L’Equipe).
The Norwegian international is referring to last season’s Champions League outing. Man City and Real Madrid met in the semifinal stage, drawing the first leg 1-1.
In the second leg, however, Real Madrid were thrashed 4-0 on their visit to Etihad Stadium. Haaland, though, was not able to score a single goal, with Bernardo Silva notably scoring a brace.
Talking about his failure to score a goal on the day, Haaland praised Thibaut Courtois for producing an outstanding performance.
“That day I had the opportunity to score two or three but Courtois had one of the matches of his life. You know, it’s not just about scoring goals,” he said.
Although Haaland was not able to score against Real Madrid, the forward did play a crucial role in helping Man City secure the title.
The former Dortmund starlet scored 12 goals in 11 matches, though he did not score in the semifinal or in the final.
Nevertheless, in light of Haaland’s success, Manchester City are reportedly keen on making him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, especially as they look to fend off interest from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
