Antonio Rudiger, the rugged German and Real Madrid defender is in the news again.
Last night at the Bernabeu, Rudiger did what many thought was a mission impossible, stop Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland.
And he did it so effectively, limiting Haaland to just 21 touches in the entire game!
The game was the first leg of the European Champions League Semi-Finals between Real Madrid and Manchester City. That match ended 1-1 with strikes from the mercurial Madrid winger, Vinicius Jr, and an equally excellent hit by Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne
Haaland who normally terrorizes defences was left silent in the game, and was roasted by the Spanish and French press for his ineffectiveness against the relentless Antonio Rudiger.
The game was a masterpiece in tactics between two of the best coaches in the game, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.
Haaland Record Setting at City
Haaland has been phenomenal in the Premier League shattering goal scoring records and taking Manchester City to the top of the table. A lot more was expected of him against Real Madrid but Antonio Rudiger had other ideas.
The focus now shifts to the second leg next Wednesday in Manchester. That game has been tagged the “final” before the final. A lot might change on that day. Will Haaland exact revenge on Real and send Manchester City to the finals? It certainly would be one of the most anticipated games this season.
