Guardiola confident Haaland will regain his form against Real Madrid

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is confident Erling Haaland will return to his best form when the English side host Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final after the Norwegian striker failed to find the back of the net.

Haaland has scored 51 goals in all competitions this season, a record, but Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger imposed strict controls that limited the Norwegian's danger in the 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Guardiola told reporters ahead of the Premier League clash with Everton: "Congratulations to Rudiger. But we can't overlook that Erling is 22 and this was the first time he played in the Champions League semi-finals." "It's the first time he's played at the Bernabeu, one of the biggest stadiums, against a top club with good players in all positions, the next time will be a bit easier," he said.

"If the team can raise the bar in some ways the way we think in preparation for Wednesday's game, maybe it will be easier for them."
Ahead of the clash with the Spanish side, league leaders City will be looking to increase their gap over their nearest rivals to four points when they visit Everton on Sunday.

Guardiola said: "The Premier League title is very important although I know that the Champions League has a very special place. It's about long months, a lot of tough games and an unbelievable effort, that's the most important thing". "In the end, it's your right. What a privilege. The club takes care of us perfectly. We have to be ready to get the job done."