In Champions League Round 6, Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 2-1 away from home. Erling Haaland scored a penalty to take the lead in the 43rd minute. After the game, Manchester City forward Erling Haaland accepted an interview with Camel Live.
You've scored 55 goals in 54 Champions League games, and this is your first goal at the Bernabéu. Does that make it feel particularly special?
"Of course. Every time I come here, it feels very special. Real Madrid is a strong and great team that has achieved a lot, especially in the Champions League. So being here itself is special, and winning and scoring a goal here for the first time is certainly meaningful. So yes, it's a great victory."
Real Madrid has been in poor form recently, but the performance at the Bernabéu was still tough. Did you analyze their weaknesses and take advantage of them?
"I agree with you. But we know how difficult it is to play here. We've seen so many games where many teams struggle here, but this isn't the first time we've played here. Of course, we are analyzing them now, and maybe their form isn't ideal. So we seized an opportunity, and this is an important three points for us to compete in the top eight of the Champions League."
How big is the positive impact of defeating Real Madrid on you?
"I think so. I think we did well. We take it one game at a time and don't look too far ahead. And we have a great team. We have very good players on the bench who are ready to come on, as we saw today. So I think we have a good team, and we want to win every game."
Regarding Rüdiger's tackle on you during the game, which might have deserved a penalty?
"(Laughs) He pulled me down. I think that was clearly a penalty. Even if he hadn't pulled me down, I think I could have scored because it was a good scoring chance. So it was indeed a great duel. I have a lot of respect for Rüdiger; after all, he has achieved great things at both Chelsea and Real Madrid."
Did you see Bellingham telling Courtois that you might shoot to the left when you took the penalty?
"No, I only saw it on my phone later. But Bellingham is a good guy. I like him a lot and miss playing with him. We had many good memories at Borussia Dortmund."
Did you change direction when taking the penalty because you slowed down during the run-up?
"Yes, I originally planned to shoot in the opposite direction of Courtois."
What do you think about O'Reilly's performance?
"I'm very proud of him and happy for him. He's still young, but to be honest, two days ago I was thinking that when I saw him playing with me, he felt like a 30-year-old veteran. I think he has a quality. There's a reason he's in the starting lineup. He just needs to keep going. He has the full support of me, everyone in the team, the head coach, the staff, and the club. He can achieve great things in his career."
The length of a player's career is very important. In this regard, has Ronaldo inspired you?
"Of course. I think every player in the world should take Ronaldo and Messi as role models and learn from them how to maintain the highest level in the best league they are in for at least 15 years. So they are both my inspirations. Ronaldo probably makes us pay more attention to how to take care of our bodies. You see, he's 40 years old and still in such good physical condition. That's not easy, so I have a lot of respect for him."
How do you feel about representing Norway in the World Cup next summer?
"Norway has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, which is particularly meaningful. The last time Norway played in the World Cup, I wasn't born yet. Now I can finally experience that feeling personally. It's so special."
