Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland will not be the telling difference in ending their European hoodoo this season - highlighting the importance of a watertight defence instead.
Haaland produced an astonishing five-goal performance against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night as star-studded City booked their place in the quarter-finals of the marquee competition.
Attentions are now firmly locked on the draw which will be held in Switzerland on Friday lunchtime. Despite their Premier League dominance in recent seasons - with Guardiola leading City to four titles himself since being appointed in 2016 - the club have never won the Champions League in its current or former guise.
Their closest attempt came two years ago when Chelsea beat them in the final. READ MORE: Player ratings as Haaland ridiculous From the outside looking in, at least, Haaland was signed to make the difference in big moments and his five goals against Leipzig - not to mention his overall tally this season - adds weight to that argument.
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