City entered the match aiming to overturn a 3-2 first-leg defeat at the Etihad, but their hopes were dashed as Los Blancos dominated.

Haaland’s Knee Injury or Rüdiger Factor?

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague reported on CBS Sports that Haaland informed Pep Guardiola on the morning of the match that he was not fit enough to start, citing a knee injury sustained against Newcastle United in the Premier League last weekend.

Guardiola confirmed in his pre-match interview that Haaland was “not close to starting” due to the knee problem.

However, Carragher isn’t entirely convinced. Speaking on CBS Sports, the former defender hinted that Haaland’s decision might have been influenced by the return of Antonio Rüdiger, who missed the first leg due to injury.

“So let me work this out,” Carragher said.

“Haaland has gone to the manager this morning and said he’s not fit?

Do you think that’s got something to do with Rüdiger? Is that because Rüdiger is playing?

He’s on the bench, so he can’t be injured. I never went to see the manager on the morning of a game and said I’m not fit.

So he’s injured, is he? It’s Rüdiger-itis, is it? Is that what we’re saying here?”

Man City’s Attacking Dilemma

In Haaland’s absence, new signing Omar Marmoush was handed the responsibility of leading the attack against Carlo Ancelotti’s formidable Real Madrid side.

Did Haaland genuinely struggle with injury, or did he opt to avoid a physical battle with Rüdiger? Carragher’s comments have certainly added fuel to the debate.

What do you think? Was Haaland really injured, or was it ‘Rüdiger-itis’? 👀⚽🔥