The last time Manchester City hosted RB Leipzig is not a night Joško Gvardiol remembers with great fondness.
The Croatia international was then part of a Leipzig defence torn to shreds by City’s attack as Erling Haaland plundered five goals in a 7-0 rout in the Champions League round of 16 in March.
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Eight months later as the two sides prepare to face each other in the penultimate round of Group G matches in the competition, Gvardiol, who is now part of City’s defence, knows he does not have to worry about a similar night of misery.
At least not from the boots of Haaland.
“I’m happy to be his teammate,” Gvardiol said when asked about the difference between playing against or with Haaland.
“It wasn’t just about Haaland, it was the first team on the pitch [last season], it was a hard game. As a centre back I was looking forward to facing Haaland but it didn’t finish good.
“He scored five goals in 60 minutes. When I saw him getting subbed off I was happy.”
City went on to win the Champions League for the first time and have made a good start in their bid to retain the trophy.
They have a 100% record in the group and a point on Tuesday would seal top spot ahead of Leipzig, who are also assured of their place in the knockout phase.
