Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has said that Real Madrid were successful in nullifying the threat of Erling Braut Haaland in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Bernabeu.
Haaland has been in remarkable form for the Citizens during his first campaign at the club, scoring 51 goals and registering eight assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.
However, the Norway international found it difficult to make his mark against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger impressed in his duel with the 22-year-old, and Guardiola has explained why the team's leading goalscorer found it tough in the Spanish capital.
"The pockets and distances between the central defenders and full-backs were occupied by attacking midfielders, [Luka] Modric, Toni Kroos and [Federico] Valverde," Guardiola told reporters.
"Twin central defender close to Erling, it was not easy for him. He moved well and had his chances."
Vinicius Junior's 36th-minute effort sent Real Madrid ahead in the 36th minute of the match, before Kevin De Bruyne levelled the scores with a powerful strike of his own in the 67th minute.
The tie is now delicately poised ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next week.
"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," Guardiola added after the clash at Bernabeu.
"Final next Wednesday at home with our people. When we were better they score, when they were better we score.
"They are so demanding, with the experience and quality. We are travelling to Manchester and we will see what we can do better. When you play this kind of game it is like a playoff, so hopefully we can learn, defend better and attack better."
Man City will now switch their attention back to the Premier League, preparing to travel to relegation-threatened Everton on Sunday afternoon.
The Citizens are currently only one point clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the table, but they still have a game in hand over the Gunners.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be back in La Liga action on Saturday evening at home to Getafe.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are not going to retain the title this term, though, as they sit 14 points behind leaders Barcelona with only five games left, with the Catalan giants on the verge of winning the championship. body check tags ::
