Things went from bad to worse, as Borussia Dortmund were humbled at home by Rangers in a 4-2 shocker.
Quick successive goals by James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos left Dortmund shattered as they walked towards the tunnel at the interval.
Within four minutes of the second half, John Lundstram’s powerful strike gave Rangers complete control of the game, and the win was sealed with an own goal by Dan-Axel Zagadou.
Although Jude Bellingham and Raphael Guerreiro gave some respite to the team, with the consolation goals, the road to the next round remains tricky for Marco Rose’s men.
As the team crumbled down, the star man of Dortmund, Erling Haaland, was seen sitting in the stands with his father, unable to bear witness to the defeat.
The Norwegian international was not included in the squad due to his recent return to training after an injury scare. Safe to say, the decision did not pay any dividends for Marco Rose.
Cries of empathy blew across Twitter, as fans too couldn’t witness their talisman sitting emotionless across the stands.
Users pointed out the glum look across his face during the match and other users were seen asking to release the star for his benefit.
We should let Haaland leave mid February. We’re violating international human rights by making him watch this pic.twitter.com/HygHNYC6L6
— Abdullah (@BVB_Abdullah) February 17, 2022
Leave while you can @ErlingHaaland pic.twitter.com/lBFESYz17V
— SaeedTV (@SaeedTV_) February 17, 2022
Haaland looks so done with Dortmund😭 pic.twitter.com/TCxMAEXY6P
— Leo (@utdleo_) February 17, 2022
The Twitterati also mentioned the Herculean task upon his shoulders, in the second leg against the reigning Scottish Champions.
Just the second time in UEFA history that Dortmund have conceded four goals at home 😬
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 17, 2022
Erling Haaland has work to do in the second leg against Rangers…#UEL pic.twitter.com/WaakO1JbbW
Soon, memes about the 21-year-old also started circulating across social media.
Haaland thinking about Rangers 2nd leg. pic.twitter.com/0RivJVa0sM
— OcEleven | Zagaliban Out (@RyderSZNBVB) February 13, 2022
“Whatever i’ll be gone in the Summer anyway” #Haaland #UEL pic.twitter.com/HOfPAXuq9l
— Straajo 🇷🇸 (@straajo) February 17, 2022
Haaland watching Rangers destroy Dortmund pic.twitter.com/EBUTlvun4b
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) February 17, 2022
The coveted striker’s contract expires at the end of the season, and whispers about possible transfer moves with big names like Manchester City and Real Madrid are in the air.
Haaland will possibly be available when the men in black-yellow travel to Ibrox for the second leg of the round.
