VIDEO: Haaland scores a half-time hat-trick, but the public is unhappy with two controversial decisions in Manchester City’s favour

Manchester City took on RB Leipzig on Tuesday night in a Champions League semi-final rematch. In the first half, the English club took a three-goal lead with a hat-trick from Erling Haaland. But two controversial moments were resolved.

The first match ended in a 1-1 draw, but offered an interesting spectacle. And the rematch, played on Tuesday night at the Etihad Stadium, promised to be an attractive battle as well. Manchester City entered the match as the favourite and tried to confirm their role right from the start.

The first half offered a clear domination of the Citizens and also three goals by Erling Haaland. He got his goal machine going in the 22nd minute when the first controversial moment occurred after a penalty was awarded in favour of the home side.

After Rodri’s header, the ball lightly touched Benjamin Henrichs’ hand and after reviewing the video footage, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The public and the experts are not happy with this decision.

Henrichs had no way to dodge the ball, hit it from behind and, moreover, the ball actually just licked him. It is therefore very strict and it will once again come down to how differently each referee judges the rules on handball.

The next two goals were perfectly regulation goals by the Citizens. Haaland showed great combativeness and shooting prowess and scored his goals most deservedly.

What about the other controversial moment? That came before Manchester City’s third goal and was taken care of by Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson. He took a big risk with his run out of the box and brought down Konrad Laimer without the ball.

Ederson should have been sent off, according to quite a few fans, but he didn’t even see a yellow card. What’s more, there was no illegal intervention on his part. Instead, Timo Werner was shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

Source: UEFA, Twitter