Ahead of Tuesday’s first-leg tie in the Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes has expressed admiration for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The two teams met in last year’s semifinal, which Real Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate, including a thrilling 3-1 comeback at the Bernabeu.
Since then, City has acquired Haaland, who has scored an impressive 51 goals across all competitions since joining Pep Guardiola’s side from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
The Norwegian goal machine has also forged an effective link with his teammates outside the box.
According to UEFA, Haaland is the top scorer in this year’s Champions League, scoring 12 goals in just eight appearances this season.
And Speaking with RTVE, via Madrid Universal, Rodrygo said:
“Haaland scores a lot of goals, no one knows how to stop him. I hope he doesn’t score against us.
“Manchester City is always scary. They’re a great team, they play very well, but we are confident that we can win.”
Rodrygo’s 2022/23 season
In Real Madrid’s previous five games, Rodrygo has three goals and an assist to his credit. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian has had a strong season and has established himself as a regular starter.
The Brazilian has made 30 league appearances for Real Madrid this season, contributing eight assists and six goals.
He also creates 10 major chances and averages 1.4 critical passes per game, per Madrid Universal.
Haaland Set to Pocket £5million
Erling Haaland is in line to pocket a huge £5million jackpot in bonuses if he helps Manchester City win the treble this season, Sports Brief reported earlier.
City are on course to secure a historic treble under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, with the club in the race to lift the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
The Citizens have been in incredible form and are currently topping the charts with 82 points, four points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.