Haaland and De Bruyne ‘asked’ to come off before Man City knocked out of Champions League by Real Madrid
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne asked to come off because “they could not continue” before the Champions League holders were knocked out by Real Madrid on penalties in the quarter-finals. Haaland is City’s top scorer this season and regular penalty taker, while De Bruyne, who scored City’s equaliser, would have also been among City’s top options ahead of the shootout after 14-time champions Madrid held on for a 1-1 draw after extra time. Guardiola refused to blame either Silva or Kovacic for missing their penalties, as City squandered the advantage in the shootout after Luka Modric missed Real Madrid’s opening effort. It happens.” City play Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday, with the double still on as Guardiola’s side also look to defend their Premier League title, although Haaland and De Bruyne could now be doubts for the Wembley match.