Antonio Rudiger, a defender for Real Madrid, is not intimidated by the challenge of reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League at the cost of Manchester City.
Rudiger displayed a masterful performance, helping Real Madrid secure a 1-1 draw against the Premier League giants on Tuesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The hard-tackling centre-back had a flawless performance throughout the first leg, effectively neutralizing Norwegian goal-scoring sensation Erling Haaland, who had a surprisingly uneventful match.
Ahead of the reverse fixture in Manchester next Wednesday, Rudiger – who knows the Etihad Stadium very well after five successful seasons with Chelsea – is confident of helping Madrid oust the Citizens, Metro reports.
The German international was asked about the level of confidence his team had heading into the make-or-break second leg and in typical fashion, he offered a defiant response.
“We are Real Madrid, we are always confident,” Rudiger said, as quoted by Madrid Zone.
Rudiger is aiming for his first Champions League title with Los Blancos and his personal second UCL crown after helping Chelsea beat Man City in the 2021 final.
Grealish warns Rudiger and Madrid
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish said Man City are confident of finishing the job against Real Madrid at home to reach the Champions League final, after a 1-1 draw in their semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
The Citizens have won all 14 games at the Etihad Stadium this year by a score of 49 to seven, as Pep Guardiola’s men close in on a potential treble of the Premier League, UCL, and the FA Cup.
“At the Etihad [Stadium], at the moment, we feel unstoppable,” Grealish told BT Sport, as reported by Sports Brief.
Are Man City UCL favourites?
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Claude Makelele weighed in on the semi-final doubleheader between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.
The current holders of Europe’s premier club competition, Los Blancos are bidding to win a record-extending 15th UCL crown but will first have to overcome Man City.
Pep Guardiola’s charges are unbeaten since February in all competitions and for this reason, Man City are the favourites to claim the ultimate win against Real Madrid.