Rudiger considers meeting with Haaland a personal duel

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger stated that the meeting with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the Champions League quarter-finals was a personal duel. The reason is, Madrid wants revenge after City got rid of them last season.

Rudiger guarded Haaland well in the first leg of last year's Champions League semi-final which ended 1-1. However, in the second leg in Manchester, City destroyed Madrid with a landslide score, 4-0.

“Last year we all did a good job of silencing Haaland. This time, the plan is to tame dangerous players like Phil Foden, (Kevin) De Bruyne and Haaland. This is personal for me as a defender, against a super striker like Haaland,” said Rudiger, Tuesday (9/4/2024).

The two teams have played several matches since 2012/2013. City were held to a 1-1 draw by Madrid in England in the group stage. Previously Madrid won 3-2 at Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid emerged victorious in the 2016 Champions League semifinal match, but City responded in the last 16 of the 2020 edition and then Madrid eliminated City in the 2022 semifinals.

“We will not sit idly by watching City control the ball,” said Rudiger.

Rudiger praised Jude Bellingham's influence in the Madrid dressing room. The Englishman scored four goals during the Champions League in six matches this season.

“He's professional, he's a good player, we can only hope and pray that he stays healthy,” concluded Rudiger.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team lacked courage when facing City in the second leg of the Champions League last season.

“This match (will be decided by) the players with the best quality. “This season we have different characteristics when we have the ball,” said Ancelotti.