Guardiola Hopes Haaland Can Fit When Manchester City Faces Real Madrid

Erling Haaland is expected to fit when Manchester City travels to Real Madrid headquarters (Instagram/@mancity).

JAKARTA - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hopes Erling Haaland will be fit for the second leg of the knockout play of the Champions League against Real Madrid on Thursday, February 20, 2025, early morning WIB.

The Spaniard admitted he was afraid of the injury suffered by the Norwegian striker in the second half against Newcastle United, February 15, 2025.

Haaland, who captained Manchester City for the first time in a Premier League match against Newcastle, fell while holding his knee in the final minutes of the match which ended in a 4-0 win at Etihad.

The 25-year-old appeared to have suffered a right knee injury before falling to the ground feeling uncomfortable.

However, after undergoing treatment for some time, Haaland was able to walk off the pitch before watching the rest of the match off the bench.

"When he fell, everyone was scared. However, he walked off the pitch with a smile."

"The doctor didn't tell me bad news. So, hopefully he's fine. I haven't spoken to the doctor yet. Maybe not as bad as expected," said Guardiola.

Manchester City must reverse the 2-3 deficit in the first leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu to reach the last 16.

Haaland scored two goals for The Citizens in defeat against defending champions of the Champions League at the Etihad on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

With deputy captain Kevin De Bruyne appointed substitute against Newcastle and former captain Kyle Walker released to AC Milan during the January 2025 transfer window, Guardiola said he decided to hand over the captain's armband to Haaland against The Magpies following his recent decision to sign a 10 contract at Manchester City.

"When Kyle left, Kevin became the first (captain), then I nominated Erling. He will be here for 10 years."

"So, sooner or later, you have to take responsibility for that. It's nice to be the first time ( Captain) in the Premier League, this is just the beginning, but it's a gesture," Guardiola said again.

Manchester City's journey in the Champions League is lucky. They only finished 22nd in the group stage standings with 11 points from eight matches (three wins, two draws, and three defeats).

Because of that position, The Citizens could not qualify directly for the round of 16. They have to fight for the phase ticket in the playoffs.

Unfortunately, Manchester City had to meet Real Madrid, who also didn't really play in the group stage, in this playoffs.