Credit: Imago, The Rest Is Football

Evan Lloyd

Thu 12 March 2026 19:30, UK

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Alan Shearer was shocked by Erling Haaland’s inability to get involved in the game as Manchester City were beaten by Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The Citizens were thumped 3-0 despite a strong start, with Federico Valverde netting a staggering hat-trick before half-time.

Man City had been the favourites at the Bernabeu, with Los Blancos suffering from several injuries and a turbulent season.

Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to give up his position in charge of Real Madrid in the summer, with the former Liverpool man in interim charge after Xabi Alonso was dismissed in January.

Man City’s defeat has left them with a mountain to climb at the Etihad Stadium, although all hope is not yet lost.

Alan Shearer surprised by Erling Haaland anonymity

Haaland is among the Premier League’s best strikers ever, and he has shown it again this season.

The 25-year-old has scored 29 goals in 40 games across all competitions, and is ready to collect yet another golden boot.

Since the turn of the year, however, Haaland’s form has slowed. The Norway international had been scoring at a staggering rate, but he has netted just three times in the Premier League in 2026.

It has been a similar story in the other competitions, as well, and he again looked off the mark on Wednesday.

In 82 minutes on the pitch, the striker completed just three passes and took only 10 touches in total.

Incredibly, Haaland did not take a single shot and enjoyed just one touch in the opposition box, failing to win a single duel.

Speaking to The Rest Is Football on Thursday, Shearer said: “You know you mentioned about those balls going across the box in the first 10 or 15 minutes for Man City.

“I was thinking: ‘Where are you?’ Normally, you’d see him running in and just having a tap in for two or three yards, wouldn’t you?”

What is going on with Haaland?

Shearer added: “There’s definitely a difference in his play while [Antoine] Semenyo’s been there to the difference when he’s up there on his own. Unbelievable.”

Man City set up in a four-one-three-two against Real Madrid, with Semenyo positioned to the right of Haaland.

The 26-year-old’s arrival from Bournemouth in January has undoubtedly been a massive success. The forward has seven goals and two assists in just 14 appearances since completing the £64million move.

Yet there is something to be said about the way Haaland has been playing since the Ghana international was placed alongside him.

If Pep Guardiola can manage to somehow get the best out of both players for what remains of this season, Man City could well be a force to fear.