Manchester City suffered a shocking 3-1 defeat against Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League, leaving fans and pundits alike stunned. The loss was particularly disappointing for Erling Haaland, who endured a frustrating homecoming to Norway. The highly anticipated return to his native country turned sour as City's No. 9 struggled to make an impact against a determined Bodø/Glimt side.
Haaland, who has been having a spectacular season with 26 goals and four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions, couldn't find the net, extending his recent dry spell. He had a golden opportunity just before halftime but failed to convert, contributing to his lackluster performance. According to one report, if it wasn't for the two chances he missed, one would be forgiven for thinking he wasn't on the pitch. Another report stated that it was a dreadful return to his homeland for a player who is suffering one of his worst spells in his City career, even missing the target with a decent effort before blazing over a third chance later on.
The defeat wasn't solely on Haaland's shoulders, as the entire team struggled to cope with Bodø/Glimt's intensity and tactical execution. City's defense looked shaky, with Max Alleyne particularly struggling against Bodø/Glimt's attacking waves. Alleyne was at fault for the first two goals, showcasing his inexperience.
In midfield, Rodri had a night to forget, culminating in a red card after two quick yellow cards. Before the sending off, Rodri was giving the ball away, including in the build-up to Bodo's third goal. According to one report, it was probably his worst night as a City player.
Rayan Cherki was one of the few bright spots for City, scoring their only goal and displaying silky skills. However, his efforts were not enough to spark a comeback, especially after Rodri's dismissal.
Following the match, Haaland didn't hold back, expressing his disappointment and taking responsibility for the defeat. He apologized to the fans for the embarrassing result, acknowledging Bodø/Glimt's deserved victory. Haaland also pointed out that he and three of his teammates were solely responsible for the 'embarrassing' result.
The loss leaves Manchester City in a precarious position in their Champions League group, increasing the pressure on their final game against Galatasaray. The team will need to regroup quickly and address the issues that were exposed in Norway to avoid further setbacks in their European campaign.
