Confirmed: there is now a date for Rüdiger’s return to Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a victory of great importance for their play-off tie in the Champions League after emerging victorious from the match against Manchester City with a final score of 2-3, setting the tone for the clash and having had to come back from behind on two occasions. Despite the absence of Antonio Rüdiger in the center of the defense in a game of maximum intensity, Carlo Ancelotti’s team managed to emerge victorious in this match. Of course, only after having to come back from behind on two occasions. The second leg is already on the horizon, where the German center back could be available to the coach for this tie.

A brave Madrid against an erratic City

The Whites traveled to Manchester with a serious problem at the back. Without David Alaba or Éder Militão through injury, and with Rüdiger out due to his latest injury, Carlo Ancelotti had to improvise a defensive line where Asencio and Tchouaméni formed the central defensive pairing.

Pep Guardiola’s City once again showed their weakness in the final third, despite being in the driving seat in terms of possession. A poor clearance from Ederson and a defence that was out of position left the way clear for Brahim and Bellingham to score the goals that would give Real Madrid victory in the dying moments of the game.

Rüdiger for the return leg

Antonio Rüdiger has been one of the key components in tackling Real Madrid’s defenses this season, which was evident at the Etihad. The German center back injured his biceps femoris against Espanyol, a circumstance that left him off the list for the first leg of the Champions League play-offs.

Once again, the club has announced that the defender is working hard to be able to play in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the press conference after the match, Carlo Ancelotti did not give up on his player: “We need him; I think he’ll be back for the second leg”. His return is essential to rebuild a defensive system that, despite having emerged victorious from Manchester, left some doubts in its performance.

A Real Madrid with an advantage but no margin for error

Manchester City has shown in previous editions its ability to recover from adverse situations; for this reason, coach Pep Guardiola is looking for a way to adjust the strategy for the Bernabéu. Therefore, the possible return of Antonio Rüdiger would be great news for Carlo Ancelotti, as his strength in the duels that City poses as well as his leadership skills can be determining factors in reducing City’s chances of scoring, even with an Erling Haaland who, despite scoring in the first leg, did not have his best night against Madrid’s defense.

The pairing of Real Madrid against Manchester City has become one of those historic Champions League duels; in the latter stages of the competition the two clubs have faced each other on many occasions; these duels have always had very tight scorelines as well as a high performance voltage, so expectations are high for the return leg, scheduled for Wednesday 19 February.

The Santiago Bernabéu is preparing for another magical Champions League night, when Madrid will be looking for the win that will take them into the last sixteen with Rüdiger pushing for a return and the team in full offensive mode. The Whites are confident of maintaining the lead they have obtained to keep them in the Champions League race.