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Topics: Antonio Rudiger, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Fan Reactions, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Antonio Rudiger, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Fan Reactions, Football
Antonio Rudiger seemed to 'storm' through the media mixed zone following Real Madrid's crushing defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League.
Despite containing Erling Haaland in the first-leg last week, Rudiger was surprisingly dropped by Carlo Ancelotti for the return leg at the Etihad on Wednesday.
And the veteran Italian manager's decision backfired as Militao, who replaced the German defender in the starting XI, was part of a backline that conceded four goals.
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Man City ran out 4-0 winners with Bernardo Silva (x2), Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez getting on the score-sheet as they booked their spot in the Champions League final.
After the game, Rudiger walked through the media mixed zone and appeared to cut a frustrated figure, which didn't go unnoticed by fans online.
A video has emerged of the former Chelsea defender 'storming' through the area as he didn't stop to answer any questions.
Rudiger eventually entered the fray as a second-half substitute, replacing Luka Modric. But fans think the damage was done by not starting him as fans on social media bemoaned Ancelotti's decision.
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One Twitter user wrote: "It was so unfair for him to be dropped."
A second tweeted: "He’s mad because he didn’t start."
A third added: "Rightfully so, why didn't he start?"
A fourth commented: "Should've started ahead of Militao."
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A fifth said: "He should have been a clear starter, he pocketed Haaland in the first leg only to get benched in the second. Guess what, his replacement scored an OG."
Speaking before kick-off, Rio Ferdinand also questioned Ancelotti's decision to start Militao ahead of Rudiger.
"I actually don't know," he replied when asked to explain the Real boss' line up. "I finished watching that game (the first leg) thinking: 'Have we finally seen a defender who can deal with Haaland?'
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"Sometimes you think to yourself, if he's got his number, you have to go with your instincts. Ancelotti's gone with someone he knows, who's tried and tested, and obviously they won it last year with Militao."
Ferdinand added: "He's been integral to everything that's been good about them in the last season or so. So he's gone back to what he knows.
"But I think it's a massive call. And if it goes wrong, that's something where the media in Spain will be honing in on.
"How can you drop someone who's done so well against their talisman?"