On a dramatic Wednesday night time on the Santiago Bernabeu, the place Manchester Metropolis got here from behind to 2-1 in a pivotal Champions League conflict, one subplot captured as a lot consideration because the soccer itself.
It was none aside from Erling Haaland’s very evident admiration for Actual Madrid and the Bernabeu stage.
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Metropolis’s victory, sealed by Haaland’s penalty, his first ever purpose on the historic Bernabeu, was not the one headline.
As such, his behaviour earlier than, throughout and after the match offered soccer purists and Madridistas with meals for considered his future ambitions.
Listed below are three standout moments from that unforgettable night time which underline why the Norwegian striker appears to be signalling Actual Madrid as a vacation spot he goals of taking part in for sometime.
Admiration for Santiago Bernabeu
Proper after the ultimate whistle, Haaland didn’t rush again to the tunnel or have fun wildly along with his teammates.
Erling Haaland didn’t have fun in opposition to Actual Madrid. (Photograph by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Photos)
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As a substitute, he soaked within the Bernabeu ambiance – one which has been the centrepiece of so many legendary careers.
In his post-game feedback, he made his emotions abundantly clear in regards to the iconic floor:
“The Bernabeu is a spot you wish to play in. Take a look at all this! It’s unbelievable,” .
Notably, this was greater than a praise in regards to the stadium’s aura, because it was a heartfelt reflection from a worldwide famous person about an area that defines elite soccer.
For years, Santiago Bernabeu has been the stage the place careers are immortalised, and it’s uncommon for an opposition striker, that too of Haaland’s stature, to talk with such reverence.
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Pre-match heat with Actual Madrid gamers
Earlier than the ball was even kicked, a curious scene unfolded within the tunnel that hinted at Haaland’s deeper respect and maybe admiration for Actual Madrid’s squad, notably their attacking skills.
Haaland approached each Actual Madrid participant to shake palms in a gesture of sportsmanship. However it was his interplay with the membership’s innovative that turned heads.
He shared heat greetings and tight embraces with Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, arguably the very gamers Actual Madrid is constructing its future round.
For what it’s price, it was a second that went past pre-game etiquette, an indication of real respect, and maybe even fondness, in direction of gamers he may conceivably share a pitch with sooner or later.
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On-pitch camaraderie
If pre- and post-match gestures weren’t telling sufficient, Haaland’s behaviour in the course of the contest emphasised one thing surprising.
Identified for his fierce aggressive streak and ruthless concentrate on the pitch, Haaland often performs each duel like a battle.
But on Wednesday, he was seen partaking in light-hearted moments with opponents. In reality, he shared pleasant exchanges with Thibaut Courtois on a number of events.
In one other light-hearted second, Bellingham playfully tugged at Haaland’s hair earlier than he stepped as much as take a penalty.
Whereas many thought-about it an act of unsportsmanship, it was nothing however a pleasant banter between two former teammates.
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Moreover, Haaland was additionally noticed laughing and fascinating with Arda Guler, even simply earlier than a nook kick.
Normally, such set-piece conditions see him locked in intense focus, not smiling with opponents.
Whether or not it was respect for the Bernabeu, admiration for the Madrid squad, or just the mindset of a participant already imagining a future at Actual Madrid, Haaland’s behaviour provided some hope.
With switch rumours rife, his actions added gas to the fireplace.