Alonso issues update on key Real Madrid star’s condition ahead of Super Cup derby | OneFootball

In less than half an hour, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will square off in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Both teams have already announced their starting lineups, with there being no major surprises, although Xabi Alonso’s decision to start Antonio Rudiger for Los Blancos has raised some eyebrows.

After all, the German international is understood to be dealing with some discomfort in his knee, but is said to have told the staff that he is willing to pay through pain, like he did for most of last season.

Alonso on Rudiger’s condition

Ahead of kickoff, Alonso spoke with the broadcasters and gave an update on Rudiger’s condition, stating that the defender had assured everyone that he was fine and ready to play.

“Rudiger is playing with complete confidence; he’s told us he’s fine,” Alonso said, as quoted by MARCA.

Rudiger starts in the Super Cup semifinal. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Rudiger starts at the heart of the defence alongside Raul Asencio, with Dean Huijsen the only centre-back available as cover for the Merengues.

Meanwhile, talking about how he and his team are approaching the derby, especially after having already been hammered 5-2 by Atletico Madrid earlier in the season, Alonso remarked:

“It’s up to the players to decide, we’ve prepared for the game, the opponent is good, there will be moments of dominance and other moments of holding on, and all moments will be important.”

The Real Madrid manager also stressed that the substitutes could have a big influence on the proceedings, stating:

“Bench players can also have a big impact.”