The report traces the tension back to a goalless meeting between Arsenal and Manchester City on 31 March 2024, when Gabriel and Haaland clashed after the final whistle and had to be separated by Pep Guardiola.
Months later, another encounter carried even more needle. The account says Haaland threw the ball towards Gabriel’s head during a stoppage-time celebration, an incident that brought no subsequent sanction. Gabriel later played down the confrontation, saying: “É uma batalha, uma guerra, então é normal ter provocações no futebol, faz parte do jogo.”
The most recent reported meeting came on 19 April, when City won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland scored, but the contest was also marked by pushing, fouls and a torn shirt.
“Acho que minha camisa foi um pouco puxada. Não deram a falta, mas essa é a Premier League hoje em dia. É luta livre aqui e ali. Muitos duelos. Muitos arranhões”, Haaland said afterwards.
Their rivalry intensified again when Arsenal won 5-1 on 2 February 2025. Gabriel celebrated in Haaland’s face and later explained that the reaction was connected to the earlier ball incident. Haaland, meanwhile, insisted: “O que acontece em campo fica em campo.”
This time, there is no league table or second fixture to soften the consequences. Gabriel’s physical defending and Haaland’s power will collide in a knockout setting, where one duel can change the entire match.
The Brazilian must keep the emotion under control without surrendering his edge. Haaland will look to turn that intensity into movement, pressure and a decisive moment in the penalty area.
The next storyline is clear: when Brazil and Norway meet at the MetLife Stadium, will the rivalry produce another flashpoint-or will one man settle it with a place in the quarter-finals?