Real Madrid center-back Antonio Rudiger looks forward to a “personal” battle against Erling Haaland in Tuesday's quarter-final matchup.
The German defender kept the Norwegian goal-scoring machine quiet in last season's Champions League semi-final first leg. However, with Rudiger absent, the Sky Blues roller over Los Blancos 4-nil in the second leg back at the Etihad.
Rudiger is still reeling from that 5-1 aggregate loss last season.
Rudiger seeking to avenge last season's UCL defeat
“It was a good game at home last year. We all did a great job by keeping Haaland quiet that evening. We controlled the ball well. Haaland didn't get much ball,” said Rudiger.
“Now for this game, the plan will be the same as last year, to try to control dangerous players like Haaland. I will take that duel as personal.”
Last year's Treble winners sit third in the Premier League this season but look more confident than ever. Phil Foden is especially in good form—the winger has 21 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season. “The Godfather of attacking midfielders in world football,” as Joe Cole coined Kevin De Bruyne, also tends to heat up in April.
Manchester City has plenty of game-changers in Bernardo Silva, Rodri and new winger Jeremy Doku, all on top of prolific striker Erling Haaland. But so too does Madrid, bolstered by the addition of man-child Jude Bellingham and deadly Brazilian duo Rodrygo and Vini Jr.
Tuesday's match marks the third time in consecutive seasons the two European heavyweights have clashed in the Champions League knockout stages. Madrid put aside City in the 2022 semi-finals, going on to win the tournament led by Benzema's Ballon d'Or heroics. City easily achieved their revenge last season en route to UCL triumph.
“We played without courage, without personality – courage and personality are fundamental in this type of game, we lacked them in the second leg,” said Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in Monday's pre-match press conference.
“In terms of courage and personality, we've had time to prepare for the game, we've prepared very well, and I am confident that we will give our best and we've got the quality to compete.”
433futbol looks forward to another tasty one at the Bernabeu on Tuesday. Who are you backing?
Photo: x/@iambolar
