Why Erling Haaland's goal against Real Madrid was allowed to stand despite 'offside' claims

The reason why Erling Haaland's opener for Manchester City against Real Madrid was allowed to stand has been revealed.

On Tuesday night, the UEFA Champions League playoff ties took place with holders Madrid taking on City at the Etihad Stadium.

After Carlo Ancelotti's men wasted a few decent chances to go ahead, City took the lead through Haaland in the 19th minute.

The Norwegian finished off a fine team move which involved the likes of Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol.

At first look, the City man looked offside, but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was given.

But some fans were not convinced by the decision.

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "REAL MADRID ROBBED!!! Explain to me how this Erling Haaland goal was counted! You even don’t need machines here to draw line for you to know he was clearly offside!"

Another tweeted: "Haaland clearly off. How is that a goal? VAR City strikes again."

A third fan added: "Haaland was ahead of the ball."

However, a replay from UEFA later showed that Haaland was in fact behind the ball, meaning he was in an onside position.

Spanish news outlet MARCA explained on social media: "There is the action that led to City's goal. What is offside is the handball and with that you cannot legally finish. Therefore, it is a legal position."

Ahí está la acción del gol del City. Lo que está en fuera de juego es la mano y con eso no se puede rematar de manera legal. Por lo tanto, posición reglamentaria pic.twitter.com/aOcvMAMy8s

— MARCA (@marca) February 11, 2025

Reacting to City's goal, former Newcastle and England star Chris Waddle said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Absolutely class. Jack Grealish just dinks it into Josko Gvardiol and he chests it down to Erling Haaland for the finish. What a wonderful move."

Madrid went in search for an equaliser before half-time, with Kylian Mbappe squandering a big chance by curling a shot high and wide in the closing stages.

Los Blancos trail 1-0 as the half-time whistle was blown by referee Clement Turpin, the second leg will take place next week at the Bernabeu.