Haaland’s pen was saved, it had to be retaken and then it was saved again

It was one of those moments that left fans in disbelief — Erling Haaland, usually so ruthless in front of goal, endured a bizarre sequence during Manchester City’s latest match when his penalty was saved not once, but twice after being ordered to retake it. The Norwegian striker, who has built a reputation as one of football’s most clinical finishers, found himself at the center of an extraordinary penalty drama that stunned both sets of supporters.

The incident unfolded midway through the first half when City were awarded a spot-kick following a clear foul in the box. As expected, Haaland stepped up with his trademark calmness and power, ready to add another goal to his growing tally. His first attempt was powerful but read perfectly by the opposing goalkeeper, who dived low to his left and made a stunning save to deny the striker. The crowd erupted, sensing a rare moment of vulnerability from one of the Premier League’s deadliest forwards.

However, before the goalkeeper could even finish celebrating, the referee blew his whistle. Replays showed that several defenders had encroached into the penalty area before Haaland struck the ball, forcing the referee to order a retake. It was a decision that sparked frustration among the opposition players, who surrounded the referee in protest, while City fans cheered the chance of redemption for their star striker.

Haaland, showing little emotion, placed the ball back on the spot for a second attempt. The stadium fell silent, all eyes fixed on the towering Norwegian. He went for the same corner, this time trying to add a touch more precision. But remarkably, the goalkeeper guessed right again — diving to his left to pull off another incredible stop. The disbelief on Haaland’s face said it all.

It was a sequence that few could have predicted. For a player who has built his reputation on efficiency and composure under pressure, missing two penalties in quick succession felt almost unimaginable. Even Pep Guardiola, standing on the touchline, appeared momentarily stunned before offering a wry smile in acknowledgment of football’s unpredictability.

The opposition goalkeeper, meanwhile, became an instant hero. His double save against one of the most feared strikers in the world will undoubtedly go down as one of the standout moments of his career. His teammates mobbed him in celebration, knowing they had just witnessed something special — a psychological victory within the larger battle of the match.

For Haaland, it was a humbling moment. The Norwegian, who has shattered goal records since his arrival at Manchester City, is known for his mental toughness and relentless drive. Yet this incident served as a reminder that even the best can have off days. He continued to fight hard throughout the match, dropping deep to link play and making several dangerous runs, but the frustration of those missed penalties lingered.

After the game, Guardiola was quick to defend his striker. “It happens,” he said. “You can score ten in a row and then miss two. The most important thing is that he keeps going. Erling has the mentality to bounce back — that’s what makes him who he is.” Guardiola’s comments reflected his belief that Haaland’s confidence would not be shaken by one difficult night.

Fans on social media reacted with a mix of shock, humor, and admiration for the goalkeeper’s heroics. Memes and clips of the moment quickly spread, with some supporters joking that Haaland had finally met his match in the penalty spot. Others reminded everyone that even legends like Messi and Ronaldo have had their share of penalty mishaps.

Despite the disappointment, Haaland’s professionalism shone through. After the final whistle, he was seen congratulating the opposing goalkeeper with a handshake and a smile — a gesture that spoke volumes about his character. The Norwegian knows that every top striker faces moments like these, and it’s how they respond that truly defines them.

For Manchester City, the missed penalties didn’t overshadow the team’s overall performance, but it did raise questions about who might take their next spot-kick. Guardiola now faces a decision: continue trusting his talisman, or hand the responsibility to another reliable taker such as Julián Álvarez or Kevin De Bruyne once he returns from injury.

In the end, the night will be remembered not for the goals scored, but for the extraordinary sequence that saw Erling Haaland’s penalty saved, retaken, and saved again — a rare footballing moment that encapsulates both the drama and unpredictability that make the game so captivating