‘A magician and a machine’: Spanish newspapers revel in the battle between Vinicius Jnr and Erling Haaland ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final showdown with Manchester City

Spanish newspaper AS has referred to Erling Haaland as a ‘machine’ ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Manchester City this evening.

City will continue their quest for a historic treble when they face LaLiga giants in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tonight.

However, they face an uphill battle as Real have won five of the last 10 Champions League titles – having knocked City out of the competition last year.

Nevertheless, the Spanish newspapers are expecting a battle between the two sides and even referred to Haaland as a ‘machine’ and Vinicius Jnr as a ‘magician’.

The headline on the front page of the Spanish newspaper read: ‘A magician and a machine. Vinicius and Haaland’.

Spanish paper AS has referred to Erling Haaland as a ‘machine’ and Vinicius Jnr as a ‘magician’

Haaland and Vinicius will be the stars of the show in tonight’s all-important fixture

John Stones (right) will likely be tasked with keeping Vinicius (left) at bay during the game

The main image used on the front page of the newspaper saw Haaland depicted as machine with a laser for an eye. While Vinicius was dressed as a magician wearing a top hat, suit and white gloves.

Vinicius will be Real Madrid’s biggest threat this evening – having scored 22 goals and registered 21 assists in all competitions this season.

It is likely that John Stones will be tasked with taking care of the 22-year-old during Man City’s clash later tonight.

There will be a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Stones as Vinicius scored in their Champions League semi-final last year.

His goal helped Real Madrid beat City on aggregate and progress through to the Champions League final – where they beat Liverpool 1-0.

However, City were without Haaland last year and hope his presence this year will change their fortune.

Haaland was not around for City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid last season and will be hoping to change their fortune in the competition this season