Bola.net – Erling Haaland believes that Kylian Mbappe’s absence from the Champions League match against Real Madrid gave his team a little psychological boost. Even so, the Norwegian striker emphasized that Manchester City’s victory was not due to the French player’s absence.
Manchester City managed to turn things around and win 2-1 over Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Thursday (11/12/2025) early morning WIB. Rodrygo gave Los Blancos the lead first, but Nico O’Reilly’s goal and Haaland’s penalty changed the outcome of the match.
This defeat adds to Madrid’s bad record under Alonso this season. The position of coach Xabi Alonso and the team’s performance are increasingly becoming the main focus after this match.
Mbappe, the current top scorer in the Champions League this season with nine goals, did not play due to a muscle injury. The absence of the star player is a factor to be taken into account, but City’s focus remains on their own game.
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Haaland: Mbappe’s absence is not the main reason
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland prepares to take a penalty in the Champions League match against Real Madrid, Thursday, December 11, 2025. (c) AP Photo/Manu Fernandez
Haaland admitted that he was aware of the injuries suffered by his opponents, but City’s victory did not only depend on who played or was absent. He emphasized the importance of team concentration in every match.
The Norwegian striker also said that, as a professional player, he wants to face the best opponents. However, psychologically, Mbappe’s absence has provided a slight mental advantage for his team.
“We know about their injuries, we also have some injuries, but there are more of them,” Haaland told TNT Sports.
“Nobody wants to get injured, but we expected him to play. I expected to face Kylian today. But when a player like him is out, you’re not happy because you want to play against the best, but it gives a bit of a psychological boost.”
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Alonso on Mbappe’s absence
Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso, in the Champions League match against Manchester City, Thursday, December 11 2025. (c) AP Photo/Manu Fernandez
Xabi Alonso explained that Mbappe was not fit enough to play against Manchester City. The Real Madrid coach emphasized that the club must handle it carefully for the sake of the players’ health.
Alonso also stated that Mbappe’s absence did not reduce the team’s chances of scoring goals. Madrid still had many opportunities even though they failed to take advantage of them.
“It’s too early to know whether he will be ready for Sunday’s game,” Alonso said via the club’s official website.
“We have to assess day by day, and he wasn’t fit to play today, otherwise he would have played. We missed him, but we had enough chances to score the second goal.”
