'You'll Be Seeing a Picture': Haaland Claims Rosario Grabbed His Bottom in Heated City Win at Porto

Erling Haaland has accused Porto midfielder Pablo Rosario of grabbing his bottom during Manchester City's 2-0 win at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday, adding an unexpected twist to an otherwise commanding night for the English side, as reported by Guardian Football. The bizarre flashpoint arrived in the 92nd minute, by which point Haaland had already decided the contest with both of City's goals. Desperate to complete his hat-trick, the Norwegian found himself in a tangle with Rosario, and the pair grappled before tumbling to the turf. Teammates rushed in to separate them, and once order was restored, the referee brandished yellow cards at both players. Haaland offered a wry account of the confrontation in an interview with Norway's TV 2. "I was really keen on a hat-trick and it seemed like he was very eager to stop me from getting it," Haaland said. "It was a little interesting, that – you'll be seeing a picture where he's grabbing my bottom. It'll be interesting to see that picture." His teasing suggestion that photographic evidence could soon surface is likely to keep the incident in the spotlight, with supporters and pundits already speculating about the images and whether the fallout will extend beyond the final whistle. Away from the stoppage-time drama, the night belonged to Haaland's finishing. His opening goal came via his head, a technique he revealed had been sharpened through heading practice with his father, former Premier League midfielder Alf Inge Haaland, whose own playing career included a spell at Manchester City. The victory continued City's momentum on the European stage, with Pep Guardiola's side producing a professional performance against spirited opposition. Porto, urged on by a vocal home crowd, battled throughout but had no answer to Haaland's ruthlessness in front of goal. For Haaland, the brace reinforced his reputation as one of the most feared strikers in world football, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 looming on the horizon and the Norwegian hoping to lead his national team's line on the grandest stage of all. As for the Rosario incident, no further action appears imminent, and Haaland seemed perfectly content to treat the whole affair with a grin rather than grievance. Sometimes, it seems, even a grappling match can't wipe the smile from football's most prolific goalscorer. This article is based on original reporting by Guardian Football.