One of the most attractive matches that world football could offer these days, the one that real Madrid AND Manchester City drew 1-1 for the first leg of one of the semi-finals on Tuesday Champions League, had an unexpected hero. Because among the stars who took the field at the Santiago Bernabéu, a man stood out who more than completed a very complicated mission: Antonio Rudigerresponsible for neutralizing the Norwegian Erling Haaland.
The German center scorer was chosen by Charles Ancelotti to replace the Brazilian Éder Militão, who was suspended for accumulated bookings, and also to take on the brand of Haaland, the top scorer in Europe this season: he arrived at the Bernabéu with a record 51 goals in 46 games (including, 12 shouts in 8 Champions League matches).
Against all pessimistic forecasts, which predicted a nightmarish night, the Teutonic defender neutralized the Scandinavian giant. To do this, he engaged in a physical battle in which he seemed doomed to defeat, but in which he ended up prevailing with more skill and concentration than strength.
After a start that set off the alarms, with two shots that didn’t put Belgian Thibaut Courtois in serious trouble, Haaland deflated as the minutes went by. To a large extent, this was due to Rüdiger’s suffocating marking, who chased him all over the pitch, even as the striker got down to the center circle to make contact with the ball.
The former Chelsea defender has been very well supported by his fellow defender, Austrian David Alaba. But it was he who received the biggest ovations from the audience at the Madrid Coliseum. After this work, Ancelotti will no doubt hesitate before deciding whether Éder Militão regains the title or whether Rüdiger starts again in next Wednesday’s rematch at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium.
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.