Panic at Real Madrid: Antonio Rüdiger injures himself ten days before the match against City

The visit of Real Madrid to Espanyol came at a very high cost for Carlo Ancelotti's team. In the 15th minute, Antonio Rüdiger fell on the grass of Cornellà due to a strain in the back of his right thigh, an area that he had been bandaged. The German international had practically played everything due to the injuries of Éder Militao and David Alaba, but ultimately he fell injured just ten days before the first leg of the Champions 'play-off' against Manchester City.

In the 15th minute, he tried to block a cross from an opponent from the right side, but felt discomfort in the back. Moments later he tried to keep walking, but had to lie down on the field to request medical attention. Although the defender left the locker room on his own, the injury may force him to stop for at least two weeks, making it likely that he will miss the tie against the Manchester team.

Ancelotti loses his secret weapon to neutralize Erling Haaland

Raúl Asencio took over from Rüdiger, who this season has surpassed the barrier of 2,900 minutes in 34 official appearances. The German only rested in matchday 6 of LaLiga, precisely against Espanyol. After that, he played absolutely everything, except for the cup match against Deportiva Minera. For the Champions League, the Berlin player gains greater importance thanks to his excellent track record marking Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian has not been able to score against Madrid, largely due to Antonio's good work in one-on-one situations. Now, Carlo Ancelotti will have to figure it out with Asencio and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has been heavily criticized for his performances as a center-back this season. David Alaba has recently returned to play, but he is still far from the competitive rhythm necessary for big matches. Between La Liga, Cup, and Champions, the 'merengues' will play 8 matches in February.