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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Erling Haaland relishes pantomime villain role in Man City moments missed vs Bayern Munich

Bayern fans looks to the past

Bayern Munich knew they had a mountain to climb following last week's 3-0 defeat at the Etihad, but the feeling around the Allianz Arena was one of defiant optimism. Pep Guardiola said in his press conference that the comeback potential was in the German side's 'skin' and fans definitely felt it was possible.

In the build-up to the second-leg, Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn referenced a a fan display before the 2014/2015 quarter-final against Porto, with the German side 3-1 down going into it. Supporters unfurled a huge display that read 'never give up' before watching their side thump the Portuguese outfit 6-1.

On Wednesday, fans tried to play their part once again with another banner, this time reading: "Fight with a big chest until the end". Thomas Tuchel's men could not be accused of a lack of fight come full-time, that is for sure.

Bayern Munich fans sent a message to the teams' players ahead of kick-off (Getty Images)

RATINGS: Dias and Rodri immense vs Bayern

Gundogan loses his cool

Such a calm and level-headed professional, it was surprising to see Ilkay Gundogan lose his cool briefly in the first-half. The City captain had burst through midfield but was cynically tripped by former teammate Leroy Sane. With the German on the floor, compatriot Joshua Kimmich was a little naughty in attempting to poke the ball out of Gundogan's grasp but instead hitting his face.

The City midfielder had to be held back briefly as both red and blue shirts came running in, Erling Haaland acting protector against Dayot Upamecano. It wasn't long until Gundogan was back to his assured best, however, the 32-year-old taking a breath, having a much calmer word with Kimmich and cracking on.

Haaland plays the villain

Haaland was not well-liked by the Bayern fans during his time at Borussia Dortmund, which should come as no surprise given he netted five times in seven games against them during his time in Germany. And there was no love lost either in the first leg or on Wednesday, with the home crowd enjoying the penalty miss even more for the fact it was the Norwegian who skied it.

As is so often the case, though, Haaland had the last laugh when he capitalised on Upamecano's slip to fire a clinical finish past Yann Sommer and all but end the tie. The 22-year-old shushed the stand in front of him that duly fell silent as he was surrounded by his City teammates.

For a man that scores so relentlessly, that one must have felt extra special.

Sane and Mane body language

With so much of the first-leg reaction dominated by the fallout between Bayern pair Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane, there were plenty of eyes assessing the body language as the latter replaced the former.

Mane had reportedly punched Sane in the Etihad away dressing room after last week's 3-0 defeat but settled for a quick high-five this time around.

Tuchel in disbelief

Bayern were able to get the goal they probably deserved in the end, with Kimmich netting from the penalty spot with seven minutes of normal time left. Mane had somewhat optimistically appealed for a handball when his cross was blocked by Manuel Akanji, the ball bouncing up off his foot and into his arm from close range.

But VAR sent referee Clement Turpin - who had a strange game all-round - to the monitor and then he pointed to the spot, even Tuchel couldn't quite believe it, the German laughing to himself in the dugout.

Tuchel had a hard time with the referee all game, being booked in the first-half for saying something while Upamecano's red card was rescinded with Haaland offside. One of the Bayern coaches was also booked, while the German side may have felt aggrieved to have a penalty against them - also for handball.

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