Erling Haaland is the major improvement from their previous encounter, which occurred a year ago, and helps Manchester City, which is seeking retribution in the Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid, find new confidence.
Last year, City had a 5-3 aggregate lead in the final seconds of the second leg before Real Madrid’s dramatic comeback stunned them. City’s inability to take advantage of scoring opportunities was one of the contributing factors. But this time, they have Haaland, who in his first season in England has 51 goals across all competitions.
City wants to equal Manchester United’s Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble from 1998–1999 season. They will play United in the FA Cup final on June 3, and they need three victories to win the league for the third time in a row. The greatest challenge to get past before potentially facing AC Milan or Inter Milan in the Champions League final is Madrid.
Despite Madrid’s reputation on Champions League nights, City has a 20-game winning streak across all competitions and will host the second leg. The addition of Haaland to the squad has significantly increased City’s self-assurance in their pursuit of European success.
