Pep Guardiola: “Maybe the banner motivated Vinicius Jr., he’s incredible… an extraordinary footballer.”
Real Madrid Youngster Showed Character Against Haaland In A Heated Exchange
Real Madrid completed a stunning comeback against Manchester City Friday night, winning 3-2 in their Champions League battle.
While Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham received the majority of the spotlight, Raul Asencio quietly yet successfully made his imprint. Once again, he demonstrated why he can be trusted in high-pressure situations.
Asencio faced Erling Haaland in a tight second-half clash.
In frustration, Haaland grabbed the young defender’s shirt, but Asencio stayed firm and brushed him aside.
It was a clear demonstration of his fearlessness, as he refused to back down against one of the world’s most dominant strikers. Reported By X.
Referee had to intervene.
The referee had to step in to keep the situation from escalating, but it was clear that Asencio has an extraordinary temperament.
Despite his youth, he has already demonstrated the maturity and confidence required to confront world-class forwards without fear.
Haaland, noted for his intimidating physique and outstanding goal-scoring ability, can be a daunting presence for even the most experienced defense.
However, Asencio faced the task front on, focusing on his job—stopping the Norwegian striker at all times.
Haaland did score though
Although Haaland managed to score twice—once from the penalty spot and again from a defensive error—Asencio’s overall effort was commendable.
He remained poised under pressure and avoided further damage, demonstrating that he can hold his own against superior opposition.
His ability to analyze the game, make critical interventions, and hold his own in physical duels demonstrated why he is seen as a strong defensive prospect for Real Madrid.
While some may have expected Asencio’s lack of top-level expertise to be a disadvantage, he remained calm and composed.
Manchester City? Struggling? Who would have thought? This team, the unstoppable force of English football, is now looking shaky. Pep Guardiola’s men are no longer running through teams like before, and fans are left frustrated. Is it bad luck? Tactical issues? Maybe. But let’s be honest—some players have simply not been good enough.
City’s problems are deeper than just one bad performance. Some of their biggest names have been playing like shadows of their former selves. So, who’s to blame? Let’s break it down!
1. PHIL FODEN – THE ATTACKER WHO’S BEEN A PASSENGER
Remember when Phil Foden was supposed to be the next big thing? The golden boy of English football? Yeah, about that…
This season, Foden has been completely off his game. His goals? Missing. His creativity? Nowhere to be found. His energy? Looks like he left it at home. Foden is supposed to be one of the most dangerous players on the pitch, but right now, he’s playing like a squad player.
He gets into good positions but doesn’t do anything with the ball. He looks hesitant, unsure, and at times, completely lost. Where’s the Foden who used to take defenders on and create magic? Right now, he’s just another player wearing the City jersey, and that’s not good enough.
2. ERLING HAALAND – GOALS HAVE DRIED UP!
Let’s get one thing straight—Haaland is a goal machine. But even machines break down sometimes, and this season, he’s been looking like a rusty old engine.
Haaland’s numbers are nowhere near what we expect from him. And before anyone says “but he’s still scoring,” let’s be real—his impact on games has dropped massively. He’s barely touching the ball, he looks frustrated, and at times, he’s completely invisible for large parts of the game.
City’s system isn’t built around just feeding him tap-ins, and now that teams are figuring him out, he needs to adapt. Right now, defenders aren’t scared of him like they used to be, and that’s a big problem. If Haaland doesn’t wake up soon, City’s title hopes will be gone.
3. KEVIN DE BRUYNE – MIDFIELD MAESTRO TURNED MIDFIELD GHOST
There was a time when Kevin De Bruyne was untouchable. If you gave him the ball, he’d find a killer pass, score a screamer, or completely change the game. But now? Something is missing.
Injuries have played a role, but even when he’s on the pitch, he’s not the same player. His passes don’t have the same sharpness, his movement is slower, and his influence on games has faded. Without a prime De Bruyne running the show, City look lost in midfield.
Maybe age is catching up to him, maybe he just needs time to find his rhythm again. But right now? He’s not delivering, and City are suffering because of it.
4. JOHN STONES – FROM WALL TO WEAKNESS
Last season, John Stones was a revelation. He played like a hybrid defender-midfielder, breaking lines and dominating games. But this season? He’s been struggling, and it’s showing.
City’s defense doesn’t look as solid, and Stones has been making some costly mistakes. His positioning has been questionable, he’s been losing duels he should be winning, and overall, he’s just not at his best.
Defenders at this level can’t afford to have bad spells for too long. If Stones doesn’t improve, City’s backline will continue leaking goals, and their struggles will only get worse.
5. EDERSON – THE GOALKEEPER WHO SUDDENLY FORGOT HOW TO SAVE
Goalkeepers are expected to save their teams when things get tough. But Ederson? He’s been letting too many easy shots go past him.
There have been moments this season where City needed a big save, and Ederson just couldn’t provide it. His positioning has been off, his shot-stopping hasn’t been as sharp, and for the first time in years, fans are questioning whether he’s still the best man for the job.
With City struggling defensively, they need their keeper to step up. Right now, that’s not happening.
6. Bernardo Silva – A Fading Presence
Bernardo Silva, known for his agility and creativity, has had a subdued season. His lack of decisive contributions in key games has been a point of concern, as the team relies on his dynamism to break down defenses.
Manchester City still have time to fix things, but if these players don’t improve, the team will continue to drop points. Foden needs to regain his spark, Haaland has to start terrorizing defenders again, and De Bruyne must rediscover his magic. Otherwise, City might just hand over their throne to someone else.
What do you think? Who’s been the biggest disappointment this season? Let’s talk about it in the comments
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