Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid must stop Manchester City as a whole, not just Erling Haaland

Ahead of their Champions League semi-final match against Manchester City Tuesday, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that his team needs to stop the entire City team and not just Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian striker who has scored 12 goals in eight Champions League matches this season.

Although Ancelotti admitted that Haaland is a dangerous player, he believes City are an "unstoppable" team that plays good football, defends well, and attacks with ideas. He said at Mondays press conference: "We're not setting up for a game to stop Haaland, but to stop a team that seems unstoppable, but I think we can have chances to have an equal game, one that we can win."

Ancelotti also noted that City have become a more complete team than last year, with the addition of Haaland. "Today, they can take advantage more of long balls, because they have a very tall striker, and behind him is (Kevin) De Bruyne, so they can win balls in the air," he said.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos laughed off Wayne Rooney's recent comment that City would "blow away" Madrid in the tie. Kroos recalled last season's semi-finals when Madrid beat Manchester City, saying, "It was the same a year ago, no? That Madrid were out, and we did it."

The first leg of the semi-final will take place on Tuesday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with Madrid hosting Pep Guardiola's visitors. Although City have been trying to win the Champions League for some time, Haaland's lethal edge gives them a strong chance of beating Madrid and reaching the final. However, Ancelotti's focus is not just on Haaland but on City's team as a whole.

The Italian coach said, "Just talking about Haaland means not talking about a complete team that plays good football, defends well, attacks, that has ideas."

Madrid will need to bring their best game if they want to stop City and reach the final.