Fans in disbelief as to how Antonio Rudiger wasn't sent off for wild challenge on Darwin Nunez

Antonio Rudiger avoided punishment for a wild challenge in Real Madrid's Champions League round of 26 second leg against Liverpool.

The Germany defender has a rather unique style of defending and a tendency to do things very differently. And he lived up to his reputation in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Liverpool, who are losing 5-2 from the first leg after falling apart in the Champions League final rematch at Anfield, went on the counter attack as Andy Robertson played in Darwin Nunez down the left.

The Uruguayan got into a foot race with compatriot Federico Valverde but then Rudiger raced over from out of nowhere on the cover.

He mopped things up but came up with an unorthodox tackle that actually looked quite dangerous. The former Chelsea man did win the ball but plenty felt it was reckless and out of control, with both feet off the ground.

Rudiger.. pic.twitter.com/1NceL5ARQK

— 𝖥𝖺𝗌𝗍 𝖦𝗈𝖺𝗅𝗌 (@i6astv) March 15, 2023

One fan said: "That is a red card challenge from Rudiger. Both feet very much off the ground and studs up to Darwin’s knees."

A second said: "If that's Manchester United, that Rudiger tackle on Nunez is a straight red card."

A third opined: Rudiger absolutely flies into one to stop Nunez. Takes the ball but Nunez wasn't happy with it. Looked reckless from here."

Another weighed in: "Nunez did a good thing by jumping on that Rudiger tackle, had not jumped it was going to be bad."

A fifth concurred: "That Rudiger tackle was borderline red card."

Unlike the first leg where it rained goals, it remained scoreless in the Spanish capital in the opening 45 minutes.

Liverpool are in need of three goals to take the European champions to extra time and need quite the second half miracle.