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The Premier League record-breaking star had the fewest touches of all the starters in Spain.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why Erling Haaland struggled against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Norwegian, who has taken the Premier League by storm, breaking one record after the other, could not find a way past Los Blancos’ backline.
In fact, the Spanish media had described the Champions League first-leg duel in Madrid as a showdown between Vinicius Jr and Haaland; two outstanding forwards in Europe now.
Vinicius broke the deadlock in the first half before Kevin De Bruyne scored a brilliant equalizer as Haaland was kept at bay in the 1-1 draw.
"The pockets and distances between the central defender and full-backs was occupied," Guardiola told BT Sports, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"It was not easy for Erling. He moved well and had his chances."
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Guardiola went on to describe the second leg – to be held next week at the Etihad – as a final.
"When we were better, they scored. When they were better, we scored," he added. "Tight, tight game.
"The Bernabeu in the semi-final, sometimes we had good moments and sometimes it was difficult with the quality they have on the ball. Final next Wednesday at home with our people.
"We started really well in the second half as well, and then after they got the game, we could not take it. They play a lot of passes on the left, and they are really good there but then we score a fantastic goal through Kevin [De Bruyne] and have good moments, and then at the end they have a few good chances."
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For the weaknesses exposed by Real Madrid, Guardiola is hopeful City will find a solution.
"They are so demanding with their experience and quality. We are travelling to Manchester, and we will see what we can do better," he added.
"When you play this kind of game, it is like a play-off, so hopefully we can learn, defend better, and attack better."
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