Psychological Boost: Erling Haaland Shares Why Man City Weren’t Happy With Kylian Mbappé’s Absence

Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu was a big headline on its own — but what really got fans talking was Kylian Mbappé’s unexpected absence from the pitch. And now, Erling Haaland has added a new twist, revealing that City gained a “psychological boost”… yet still weren’t “happy” about not facing the French superstar.

Haaland Expected A Battle With Mbappé… And Was Surprised

Heading into the game, everyone expected Mbappé to be the biggest threat to City’s backline. Even with a minor injury concern, he still made the matchday squad — which kept anticipation high.

But then the shocker:
Mbappé never left the bench.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wasn’t ready to risk him, with the forward nursing a knee complaint and Los Blancos needing him fully fit for their struggling La Liga campaign.

Haaland admitted the team was mentally prepared to face him:

“I thought I was going to play against Kylian… when a player like him doesn’t play, you’re not happy because you want to play against the best.”

Still, even the Norwegian powerhouse acknowledged that seeing the 26-year-old goal machine sidelined gives any opponent a mental lift.

“It gives you a bit of a psychological boost,” he added.

A Penalty, A Battle, And A Statement Win

Despite Mbappé’s absence, the game was far from easy. Real Madrid struck first through Rodrygo before City equalized via Nico O’Reilly. The winner came from a Haaland penalty — a spot kick he won after a wrestling match with Antonio Rüdiger.

Haaland didn’t mince words:

“Rüdiger wanted a bit too much… he pulled me. For me, a clear penalty.”

This wasn’t just a tactical victory — it was an emotional one.
City had lost to Leverkusen just days earlier, and the Bernabéu is hardly a friendly ground. Before this match, they had won there only once in seven attempts.

This result? Huge.
A momentum shift.
A confidence booster.
A message to Europe.

City’s Champions League Outlook Just Got Brighter

Haaland emphasized how important this win was for the squad:

“If we didn’t win, it would look completely different… Now we need to finish strong and hopefully be in the first eight.”

With two games left in the group phase, City’s fate is in their hands — and this victory might be the turning point they needed.

Mbappé’s Absence Will Spark Debate

Should Real have risked him?
Would the game have been different?
Did Alonso make the right call?

One thing’s certain:
This story isn’t over.
And fans will be waiting eagerly for the next chapter in this long-standing rivalry.

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