Real Madrid has gained a small advantage ahead of the return match against Manchester City in the 16th final of the Champions League, after a 3-2 win on Tuesday evening.
In the 19th minute, Erling Braut Haaland scored 1-0 after a fine attack where Josko Gvardiol chested the ball forward to the Norwegian striker, who easily could send the ball into the goal.
Then followed a long wait while the VAR referees reviewed the situation to determine whether Haaland was offside or not.
When the goal was approved after several minutes, it was clear that the Norwegian had scored his 48th Champions League goal – as many as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored in the tournament during his career.
Kylian Mbappé's equalizer an hour into the match was actually a mistake – but the ball reached the net after the Real Madrid star used his shin guard to push the ball in.
On TV images, Mbappé was seen laughing at the situation after the 1-1 goal.
From the penalty spot, Haaland could then score 2-1 – his 49th CL goal – after Dani Ceballos had roughly fouled Phil Foden in the penalty area.
Real Madrid would, however, have the final say. Brahim Diaz could score 2-2 after a blunder in City's defense – and in added time, Jude Bellingham also scored 3-2.
Real Madrid's win feels perhaps a little extra heavy for one person. City icon Sergio Agüero, who played for the club from 2011 to 2021, made an odd promise before the match.
Real Madrid cannot beat City. If Real beats City, I'll cut off my testicles, he said in the podcast Som I Serem according to Aftonbladet.
The question is whether he will live up to his promise.
The return match between Manchester City and Real Madrid will be played next Wednesday.
