Linesman lands Erling's signature

Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland is being chased by a host of Europe's top clubs, but it was the assistant referee who bagged the Norwegian's signature after Manchester City's 2-1 Champions League quarterfinal, first-leg win on Tuesday.

Haaland failed to add to his stunning scoring record in the Champions League, but did set up Marco Reus for the German side's vital away goal.

However, strikes from Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden gave City a slender advantage heading into next week's second leg.

After the match, Haaland was pursued by one of the linesmen, Octavian Sovre, in the tunnel to get an autograph.

"They told me, I didn't see it. Maybe he's a fan of Haaland," said City manager Pep Guardiola.

The Romanian officials were also involved in a couple of controversial incidents during the match.

City had a penalty overturned after a VAR review, while Dortmund's English midfielder Jude Bellingham saw a first-half goal harshly ruled out for raising his boot to beat Ederson to the ball.

However, Guardiola defended the officials' performance, saying: "The referees were brilliant."

AFP