• Erling Haaland was named on the bench for Man City’s clash with Real Madrid 
  • The Norwegian suffered a knock during their win over Newcastle on Saturday 
  • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Does Ruben Amorim come under pressure at Manchester United this season? 

By JAMES COHEN

Pep Guardiola has revealed why Erling Haaland has been dropped to the bench for Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Guardiola’s side travelled to the Bernabeu 3-2 down on aggregate after Jude Bellingham sealed a win for Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League playoff tie.

The Norwegian striker scored both goals for City in that match but was left on the bench throughout the second leg, as Real Madrid eased to a 3-1 win to secure a 6-3 aggregate triumph. 

Haaland was a doubt for the return leg in Madrid after being taken off in City’s 4-0 demolition over Newcastle on Saturday due to a knee injury.

Speaking on Haaland’s condition ahead of the match, Guardiola said: ‘Not far off, was close but not enough. He trained a bit yesterday, but we spoke yesterday, this morning, and he said he doesn’t feel good so another one. 

‘Of course Erling is massively important for us, you don’t need to be a manager to realise, but it is what it is, during the seasons it happens, we are used this season to many cases and it could not be differently today.

Erling Haaland watched from the bench as Man City were knocked out by Real Madrid

There was doubt as to whether the Norwegian would travel after suffering a knock last week

There was doubt as to whether the Norwegian would travel after suffering a knock last week 

Meanwhile, TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand said: ‘Psychologically, when you see the teamsheets, and you see Haaland is out of the team, first of all the centre-backs and the goalkeeper will be going ‘game on’. It’s gonna be an easier match, 100 per cent. 

The decision comes just days after Omar Marmoush – who was selected ahead of Haaland for the Madrid clash – scored a hat-trick in their win over Newcastle. 

However earlier in the week, Guardiola eased worries on the Norwegian’s condition, revealing he will be at the Bernabeu alongside Jack Grealish, who was also a doubt to play.

‘Yes, they travelled. We will see tomorrow but it’s good news they are here obviously,’ Guardiola said.

‘Jack was able to play a really good game in the [at Leyton Orient] but after he doesn’t have the consistency to play three games a week, he was not able to do it. Hopefully, now he is able for the last few months of the season he can get it.’

Guardiola’s side suffered a crushing aggregate defeat to the defending champions Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick for the dominant hosts on the night.

The result saw Man City exit the Champions League before the last 16 for the first time since 2012-2013, when they were knocked out in the group stage.

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Pep Guardiola reveals why he benched Erling Haaland for crucial Real Madrid tie as his side are knocked out of the Champions League

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