Haaland and De Bruyne Criticized for Not Taking Penalties against Real Madrid
Following Manchester City's elimination from the Champions League against Real Madrid, several individuals were scrutinized for the disappointing result, with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne emerging as the main targets.
Haaland faced criticism for his poor performance in the series, losing possession more times than completing passes and registering only two shots on target. Despite his significance to the team, he was notably absent during the decisive penalty shootout.
Similarly, Belgian midfielder De Bruyne, despite scoring the equalizing goal in the match, did not step up during the crucial penalty kicks. This decision drew considerable backlash from fans and pundits alike.
While both players were substituted before the penalty shootout, Pep Guardiola confirmed that they requested to be replaced due to their inability to continue. This led to further questioning of their commitment and determination in crucial moments.
Ultimately, the actions of Haaland and De Bruyne raised eyebrows, as their absence during the decisive penalty shootout left many questioning their resolve when their team needed them most.