Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola backs Erling Haaland to shine against Real Madric entre-back Antonio Rudiger on Wednesday.

The German defender completely nullyfied Haaland in the first leg of both team’s Champions league semi-final clash.

Haaland onlty touched the ball 21 times and could not score as the former Chelsea defender was following him everywhere on the pitch.

Speaking to reporters ahead of City clash against Everton (3-0 win), Guardiola congratulated Rudiger for his performance.

However, he tipped Haaland to get the better of him on Wednesday for the reverse lege.

Read more : Napoli to increase Victor Osimhen salary

“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”, he said.

“For the first time going 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.

“In 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.”