Manchester City fans have received positive news ahead of their team’s crucial match against Real Madrid next Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 qualifiers.
City’s Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, picked up an injury during his team’s recent Premier League match against Newcastle United on Saturday. This raised concerns among City supporters before the highly anticipated clash with Real Madrid.
Haaland did not finish the match against Newcastle. He came off in the 87th minute, with City securing a 4-0 victory. This win helped Pep Guardiola’s side regain momentum after their 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage.
Haaland participates in Manchester City training
Haaland took part in City’s training session on Sunday, signalling his readiness for the match against Real Madrid. The game will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Haaland remains a key player for Manchester City under Guardiola. This season, he has played 35 matches, contributing 30 goals (27 goals and 3 assists), according to data from the “Transfer Market” website.
The Norwegian striker scored both of City’s goals in the first leg against Real Madrid, ending a run of four matches without scoring against Los Blancos.
Guardiola is likely to field an attacking lineup for Wednesday’s match, with Haaland leading the charge alongside Egyptian star Omar Marmoush, who scored a hat-trick against Newcastle on Saturday.
City need to win the second leg by a one-goal margin to force extra time or penalties, or by two or more goals to secure direct qualification to the round of 16.
On the other hand, Real Madrid only need to avoid defeat (a win or draw of any score) to secure their place in the round of 16 for the 18th consecutive season.
It is worth noting that the winner between Manchester City and Real Madrid will face either Atletico Madrid of Spain or Bayer Leverkusen of Germany in the round of 16, as per the draw set for next Friday, February 21.
