Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes it would be easier for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Haaland was kept quiet by Antonio Rudiger in last week’s Bernabeu draw but 35 of the Norwegian’s 51 goals have come at The Etihad and Guardiola thinks the rematch will be ‘easier’ for his star striker.

“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,” Guardiola said.

“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.”

“I am pretty sure he is ready, first for Sunday and then the next games,” the manager added.