Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes it will be easier for Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium in Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid after the Norwegian endured a rather quiet game at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg.
Real Madrid welcomed Manchester City to Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of Champions League semi-final earlier this week. The two sides played out a 1-1 as Kevin de Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius Jr’s opener. The result has left the tie in the balance. That means everything is to play for in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
In the Champions League semi-final first leg, Real Madrid and, in particular, Antonio Rudiger kept Erling Haaland quiet. The Norwegian attacker, who has been sensational for Manchester City this season, drew a blank at Santiago Bernabeu.
Pep Guardiola congratulated Antonio Rudiger for keeping Erling Haaland at bay in the first leg but has backed the 22-year-old to do better in the second leg.
Pep Guardiola: Erling Haaland fought a lot and showed incredible commitment at Santiago Bernabeu
“Congratulations to Rudiger but Erling, we cannot forget, is 22 and it was the first time he has played in the semi-finals of the Champions League,” Pep Guardiola said [via Daily Mail].
“For the first time to go to the Bernabeu, one of the biggest stages, against a top-class club with good defenders, midfielders and strikers, next time will be a little bit easier.
“If the team is able to play a little bit better in some departments in the way we are thinking for Wednesday, maybe it would be easier for him.
“At the end it is what we are trying to do. He fought a lot and showed incredible commitment in what he had to do in Madrid.”
Manchester City signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window of 2022. And, Haaland instantly hit the ground running at Manchester City and has been racking up goals for the Premier League.
Erling Haaland has appeared in 47 games across all competitions for Manchester City this season. And, he has amassed an impressive 51 goals and eight assists for City in those fixtures.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are chasing a historic treble this season. Pep Guardiola and co. remain in contention for the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League titles this season.
