Watch: Real Madrid youngster showed character against Haaland in a heated exchange | OneFootball

Real Madrid staged a remarkable comeback against Manchester City last night, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory in their Champions League clash.

While much of the attention was focused on Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, one player who quietly but effectively made his mark was Raul Asencio. Once again, he demonstrated why he can be relied upon in high-pressure situations.

The match saw Asencio go head-to-head with Erling Haaland in a tense battle during the second half.

At one point, Haaland grabbed the young defender’s shirt in frustration, but Asencio stood his ground and brushed him off.

It was a clear example of his fearless nature—refusing to back down, even against one of the most dominant strikers in the world.

Referee had to intervene

The referee had to step in to ensure that the situation did not escalate further, but it was evident that Asencio possesses an exceptional temperament.

Despite his youth, he has already shown the maturity and confidence needed to face world-class forwards without hesitation.

Haaland, known for his imposing physicality and exceptional goal-scoring ability, can be an overwhelming presence for even the most experienced defenders.

However, Asencio approached the challenge head-on, focusing on his job—stopping the Norwegian striker at every possible moment.

Haaland did score though

Although Haaland managed to score twice—once from the penalty spot and another following a defensive error—Asencio’s overall performance was commendable.

He remained composed under pressure and prevented further damage, proving that he is more than capable of holding his own against elite opposition.

His ability to read the game, make crucial interventions, and stand his ground in physical duels highlighted why he is considered a promising talent for Real Madrid’s defence.

While some may have expected his lack of top-level experience to be a disadvantage, Asencio showed no signs of being overwhelmed.