When Manchester City squared off with Real Madrid in the last Champions League season, fans and pundits alike wondered: has Haaland scored against Real Madrid? With his uncanny scoring instincts and ruthless finishing, Erling Haaland seems like the kind of forward who would naturally find the net—even against the toughest defenses. But the truth is a bit more complicated. In this article, CantoKick delves into Haaland’s record against Los Blancos, examining when (and if) he finally broke through, how that fits into his career, and what it tells us about the rivalry going forward.
Haaland’s head-to-head record vs Real Madrid
Before February 2025, Haaland had met Real Madrid multiple times in the Champions League—but the record was devoid of goals for him. Over five appearances, he had:
- Matches played: 5
- Wins: 1
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 2
- Goals: 0
This “goal drought” versus Madrid stood out because Haaland has scored against nearly every major opponent in Europe. His inability to break through against Los Blancos was often flagged as a curious anomaly.
His record before that breakthrough showed persistence, not dominance. Facing one of the most storied defenses in European football meant that even a prolific scorer like him could struggle to find space, timing, or opportunity.
The breakthrough: Haaland’s first goal(s) vs Madrid
Everything changed in the 2024–25 Champions League knockout rounds. In the first leg of the playoff tie on February 11, 2025, Haaland finally ended his shutout against Real Madrid—scoring not just once, but twice.
- First goal: In the 19th minute, Haaland volleyed home after Josko Gvardiol chested a pass for him—an acrobatic strike into the far corner.
- Second goal: Later in the match, he converted a penalty in the 80th minute, cheekily sending the goalkee, Haaland registered his first career goals vs Real Madrid. That evening, Manchester City lost 3–2, but the moment carried weight beyond the result: Haaland had broken a mental barrier.
Since that match, his tally vs Madrid stands at:
- Matches: 5
- Goals: 2
Thus, the answer to “has Haaland scored against Real Madrid” is now a definitive yes, although only starting in 2025.
Why he struggled (and what changed)
1. Quality of opposition
Real Madrid’s backline is consistently among the toughest in Europe. Elite center-backs, tactical discipline, and proven experience in big matches make them a difficult proposition for any forward. Madrid knew how to limit space and deny Haaland the freedom he enjoys against weaker defenses.
2. Tactical adjustments
Against Madrid, City often had to contend with a more compact setup. Haaland’s best strengths—runs in behind, exploitation of high defensive lines—were sometimes neutralized by conservative defensive schemes.
3. Match context
Some of Haaland’s earlier clashes with Madrid involved tight, cagey knockout ties. In those matches, one mistake or one moment of brilliance often decided things. The margin for error was slim, and the opportunities fewer.
4. Growth and mental barrier
Strikers are human. That recurring blank against a specific opponent might have weighed on Haaland’s mind. When he broke the seal in 2025, he did so emphatically—with two goals in one night. Sometimes, getting past that psychological hurdle is half the battle.
Haaland vs other top European clubs: context
To appreciate the Madrid saga fully, it helps to look at Haaland’s wider Champions League record:
- In his Champions League career, he has scored against 18 different clubs—all major names except a few holdouts like Madrid earlier.
- He holds one of the best goals-per-game ratios in the competition, averaging around or above 1.0 goals per match at various points.
- Haaland’s favorite opponents include clubs like Sevilla and RB Leipzig—teams he has run wild against.
Hence, Real Madrid was one of the few top-tier clubs to have resisted him—until 2025.
Impact of those goals: legacy, confidence, and rivalry
Breaking that deadlock matters. First, it adds to Haaland’s legacy: a forward who now can say he’s scored vs Real Madrid, closing a gap in his résumé. Second, it boosts confidence. There’s a weight lifted when a striker finally gets off the mark after repeated failures. Finally, it intensifies a broader rivalry: City vs Madrid matches now carry extra subplots—“can Haaland repeat vs them?”—adding further drama.
Those two goals also deepened the narrative of that particular tie: City lost 3–2 in the first leg, meaning those goals were crucial in keeping the tie alive. In high-stake European clashes, you crave players who show up when it matters—and Haaland delivered.
What to watch next: future matchups and predictions
- Second leg and future ties: Will Haaland be as dangerous in subsequent encounters? Now that he has goals under his belt, defenders will adjust, but so might he.
- Psychological edge: Having scored once, defenders may no longer underestimate him, but he also no longer carries the “goalscorer blocked by Madrid” label.
- Tactical tweaks: Expect City to try new ways to free him—rotations, overloads, diagonal passes behind—especially in Madrid’s half.
- Milestones and records: Every future goal vs Madrid will carry symbolic weight. Could he become one of Madrid’s biggest tormentors?
Final Thoughts
Has Haaland scored against Real Madrid? Yes—since February 2025, he’s broken that long-running barrier with a brace in a Champions League playoff leg, moving his record. If you’re a fan tracking Haaland’s journey or hoping to dig dee. Want more deep dives—biographies, transfer rumors, match analyses? Let us know, and CantoKick will bring you all that football insight you crave.
