Courtois for TV 2: reveals Real Madrid's plan in Haaland

Real Madrid – Manchester City 1-1

Manchester City’s superstar Norwegian striker Erling Braut Haaland reached the first Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid with 12 goals in eight tournament matches this season.

But Haaland was unable to embellish impressive stats at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois is one of the few goalkeepers who have kept a clean sheet against Haaland this season.

Haaland considerations: Thibaut Courtois said Real Madrid had to adjust their tactics to Erling Braut Haaland’s strengths. Photo: Daniel Sannum Lauten/TV 2

– We worked well against him. Haaland has had a great season, and he’s a nice player on the field. I want him to score goals – not just against us,” Courtois tells TV 2.

Haaland’s plan

The Belgian is open that he has drawn up a clear plan to stop Haaland at the Santiago Bernabeu.

– He’s very powerful when running at the back and Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are also good at finding him. He scores a lot of goals like that, says Courtois, so we defended low to not give the full-back room to run.

– Maybe we should come up with something else next week, Manchester City star Jack Grealish replied on TV2.

Mollus: Erling Braut Haaland faced difficult working conditions against Real Madrid in the first Champions League semi-final. Photo: Daniel Sannom Lawten

Manuel Akanji believes Manchester City should have made better use of the space they took up on the pitch.

We had plenty of room in the build-up with Rodri, and John (Stones) had the opportunity to take the ball forward with him. It’s something we can improve for the next game, says City’s keeper to TV 2.

– I feel it

Haaland had many very difficult duels with Real Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Rudiger, but both duels had smiles on their faces.

– I think Rudiger likes the challenge he has with Haaland. Rüdiger likes this kind of game, so Haaland must be smarter. Rudiger loves her. Former England international Chris Waddle said I feel for Haaland because nobody sees his races BBC.

In the second half, Kevin De Bruyne made it 1-1 with a beautiful long-range strike that secured a good starting point for Manchester City in a match in which Haaland was surrounded by Real Madrid’s defence.

Haaland was effectively sent off by Real Madrid’s goalkeepers, who were good at positioning. David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger were very focused in the first half. So, we saw a little bit of Haaland, commented TV 2’s football expert, Jesper Mathisen, on the eve of half-time.

– Haaland was lurking, but didn’t get the ball that allowed him quite the freedom, says TV 2 football expert Erik Thorstvedt after the match.

The second leg will be played at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 17 May.

– I have a suspicion it will be worse for Real Madrid to stop Erling Braut Haaland the next time they meet, says Thorstvedt.

Watch the second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on TV 2 Play on Wednesday 17 May from 8pm