Mahrez ‘proves Erling Haaland is human’ ahead of Champions League final with fans in stitches at Grealish’s reaction
ERLING HAALAND was left red-faced by Riyad Mahrez just days before the Champions League final.
The Norwegian hitman has been flawless for the Premier League champions this season, scoring an unprecedented 52 goals in 52 matches.
Haaland has been machine-like in front of goal this campaign, although Man City team-mate Mahrez has proven the 22-year-old to be a mere mortal.
The former Borussia Dortmund ace was sent for a hot dog by the Algeria skipper during one of City’s final training sessions for Saturday’s match against Inter Milan.
Mahrez skinned Haaland with a beautiful drag back and change of direction – leaving the star of the season with his head and hands on the pitch.
Footy fans were quick to comment on the clip, with one saying: “Haaland is nowhere near God level.”
Another said: “Damn.”
And another said: “It’s just the beginning.”
One remarked: “[Jack] Grealish thinking about what he’ll roast Haaland with next.”
Another chimed in: “My question is: Why is Mahrez not starting most of the matches again?”
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One fan, however, jumped to the Scandinavian’s defence, saying: “He’s not a defender, like.”
City boss Pep Guardiola and the Etihad faithful will be hoping for more stability from his star striker in Istanbul on Saturday night.
And team-mate Ilkay Gundogan has called on the giant Norwegian to fire City to their maiden Champions League title.
The German told UEFA: “Right now, he might be the best striker in the world. He brings so much to our team.
“He gives us a different quality, with his physical strength, with his mentality, with his speed and with his goals too, of course.
“The last couple of years, we didn’t have a classic No.9 in the team. Therefore we needed to play a bit more flexibly, a bit differently.
“Now we know that we have someone in the box who can control the ball, including high aerial balls.
“He is very good with his head and can win battles against tall, strong centre-backs.
“This adds a whole new dimension to our game. It gives us a new dynamic. And in addition, he brings a great mentality and character.
“He has helped us a lot already. Let’s hope he can also help us in the final.”