“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” says Rüdiger, covered in blood
The moment of the violent collision: Rüdiger (left) clatters with Anatolij Trubin after his header
Quelle: DeFodi Images via Getty Images/DeFodi Images
Real Madrid are through to the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to a late goal from Antonio Rudiger. When he scored, the German defender collided violently with Donetsk’s goalkeeper. He has to leave the field covered in blood. Later he gives the all-clear.
AAntonio Rüdiger’s debut goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League was important – and very painful. His face and white shirt were covered in blood as the Germany international was escorted off after his fifth-minute stoppage-time equalizer against Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw. A supervisor pressed a cloth on Rüdiger’s forehead to stop the heavy bleeding.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram after midnight, reassuring fans: “I’m okay. Thanks for all your messages. ”A selfie in the Instagram story showed Rüdiger with a connected head.
What happened? After a long cross from former world champion Toni Kroos, Rüdiger, who had moved up, clashed with Donetsk keeper Anatolij Trubin when he scored a header. Their heads banged violently, both players seemed dazed at first. While Rüdiger got back on his feet relatively quickly, Trubin was treated lying on the grass for minutes.
First aid for Antonio Ruediger
Quelle: Getty Images/Adam Nurkiewicz
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed afterwards that Rüdiger’s injury was a “rather long” laceration. “He wanted to get back on the pitch, but then he realized that he was injured,” reported the Italian, who gave the all-clear: “I think it’s nothing bad.” Rüdiger himself had already said on the way out of the stadium that “all is well”. He was sewn up with 20 stitches.
The Clásico awaits Real on Sunday
Template provider Kroos didn’t really want to look at the injury, “I’ve seen nicer pictures in my life,” he said, “it’s a lot of blood. I hope he comes back soon.”
At least Rüdiger’s commitment was worth it: the late equalizer saw the defending champions qualify early for the round of 16 in the premier class and averted an embarrassing defeat at home to arch-rivals FC Barcelona shortly before the important Clásico on Sunday.
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