Erling Haaland hooked! Pep Guardiola makes huge call against Real Madrid ahead of extra-time in Champions League quarter-final

The defending champions had to come from behind to level the tie at 4-4 on aggregate but it was Kevin De Bruyne who netted the equaliser at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland struggled to make much of an impact again after blanking in the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Haaland is the world's most efficient goal machine but a very limited number of teams have figured out how to silence him on the pitch. Guardiola will undoubtedly be questioned on his decision to bring the 23-year-old off but it may just be a case of introducing fresh legs. Julian Alvarez is no amateur striker himself and has already scored five times in the Champions League this season.

Guardiola and City won a historic treble in the 2022-23 campaign, becoming just the second English club to do so. The Spanish head coach also achieved the feat while in charge of Barcelona during the 2008-09 season.

Haaland has not hit the same heights as last year due to an injury keeping him out for 12 games this season. He has still netted 31 goals in all competitions but remains 21 off his total tally from 2022-23. The Norway international will be hoping to get back on track in the FA Cup against Chelsea on Saturday.