Real Madrid hero Antonio Rudiger jokes he is still ‘alive’ after he was ‘left needing 20 stitches’ having been PUNCHED in the face heading in a 95th-minute equaliser against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League
Antonio Rudiger could still muster up a smile as he joked he is ‘alive’ after he was left bloodied and bruised from scoring a 95th-minute equaliser in the Champions League.
The German centre back showed all his bravery in the closing stages of Real Madrid’s trip to face Shakhtar Donetsk, who were leading 1-0 heading into added time.
Rudiger threw himself at a cross in the 95th minute and he beat Shakhtar goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to the ball to head into the net, securing a point for the Spanish giants.
Antonio Rudiger told fans he is still ‘alive’ after a nasty clash of heads saw him needing stitches
Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin clattered Rudiger as he headed in an equaliser
The Real Madrid defender was left with blood streaming from his face and while reports in Spain detailed that he required 20 stitches after the match, he was in better spirits during the flight home.
‘We alive,’ he wrote on Instagram, accompanied with a picture of him sat on the private team plane with half his face in bandage.
In a second post he added: ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I am okay – thanks for all your messages’
Both players were in urgent need of treatment in the closing stages of the match in Poland
Real Madrid will likely want to further examine Rudiger for any damage to his skull having sustained such a heavy blow in his collision with Trubin, who also needed treatment following the clash.
It was a crucial goal for Rudiger to score, helping Real Madrid extend their unbeaten start to the 2022-23 season to 12 matches.
Rudiger stood out on the night in Poland, where the game was being held due to conflict continuing in Ukraine.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Ukrainian teams have been playing European matches in Poland and other neighbour countries.
He finished the night with a 91 per cent pass, four of four ground duels won, three successful aerial duels and three interceptions, as well as his goal.
The result means Real Madrid comfortably stay top of their group, ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig.
There was concern for Rudiger and he will undergo more testing back in Spain on Wednesday
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