Antonio Rüdiger walked onto the Valdebebas training ground this week with a determined look that suggested he wasn’t just returning from injury, he was ready to reclaim his place in Real Madrid’s defensive line. The 31-year-old has missed five games since pulling his hamstring in a 1-0 defeat to Espanyol on February 1. Now, he’s back just in time for tomorrow’s critical Champions League second leg against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Rüdiger’s readiness in his pre-match press conference. “Rüdiger can play from the start, (Aurelien) Tchouameni can play as a pivot, and (Raul) Asencio can play as a center-back,” he said. The coach seemed relieved to have one of his most experienced defenders available for a match that could decide Real Madrid’s trajectory in Europe this season.
Rudiger’s timely return
Rüdiger’s return might be the boost Madrid needs, especially with David Alaba’s lingering thigh problems. There’s also the absence of Dani Carvajal, sidelined by a long-term knee injury. Even Lucas Vázquez is not fully fit. “No,” Ancelotti stated when asked about Vázquez’s availability. “Not yet. I think I’m going to put him on the bench but he hasn’t completed his recovery process yet.”
Manchester City arrives without defender Manuel Akanji, who faces a lengthy spell out following surgery, so both sides are adjusting their back lines. For Madrid, the defensive burden may also fall on Federico Valverde, who has deputized at right-back and is pleased with how he’s adapted. “For now I’m happy that I’m doing well in that position. I try to do my best in attack and defense,” he said recently.
Rüdiger has already amassed 34 appearances across all competitions this season, including all eight Champions League games before his injury. In past battles, he’s held Erling Haaland scoreless several times. Fans will hope for a repeat performance as Madrid protects its narrow 3-2 advantage from the first leg.
A semifinal place is on the line, and the Bernabéu faithful expect a stirring performance. Ancelotti knows City is dangerous, no matter what Pep Guardiola says about the odds. “Do you really think he thinks he just has a one percent chance?” the Italian quipped. “Of course he thinks he has more possibilities.”
Now that Rüdiger is back, Real Madrid believes it has the edge to hold off City’s potent attack. After all, nothing steels a defense like the return of a cornerstone just when everything is at stake.
