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Toni Kroos displayed a 1000 football IQ in stoppage time for Real Madrid against Shakhtar

Josh Lawless

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Toni Kroos displayed a 1000 football IQ in stoppage time for Real Madrid against Shakhtar

Toni Kroos has been hailed as a football genius after his instruction brought the goal that secured Real Madrid's passage to the Champions League round of 16.

The reigning European champions drew 1-1 away at Shakhtar Donetsk, with Antonio Rudiger putting his head where it hurt to score a dramatic 95th minute equaliser.

But although Rudiger was brave as ever, Kroos was the man who orchestrated the last-gasp strike.

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In the 91st minute, Real were in possession in the middle of the park and the ball was with Kroos.

Under little pressure from Shakhtar, Kroos waved his arms aloft in a bid to get Rudiger to join the attack.

The Germany international charged up the pitch and gave Los Blancos skipper Karim Benzema a helping hand in the box.

Kroos then swung in a superb cross right on the head of the former Chelsea man, whose header was just past the post and had Anatoliy Trubin worried for a second.

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Minutes later and with Real continue to throw the kitchen sink, the very same combination worked for the 14-time European Cup winners.

It was genuinely a carbon copy situation, with Kroos producing a deep cross from an identical position.

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Rudiger was again in there but this time Trubin came out to try and collect the ball and Real's No.22 beat him to it to head home the last-gasp leveller.

Image: Alamy
Image: Alamy

He ended up getting taken out completely and left a bloody mess that reportedly required 20 stitches after a brutal collision.

But the intelligence on display from Kroos proves why he is one of the very best to do it in his position.

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With actions like that, it's no wonder many are tipping Kroos to be an exceptional coach when he hangs up those iconic Adipure boots.

Last season, Carlo Ancelotti listened to advice from Kroos and Marcelo and let them make the substitutions in the Champions League semi-final second leg win over Manchester City.

Featured Image Credit: Image: BT Sport

Topics: Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger, Toni Kroos, Shakhtar Donetsk

Josh Lawless
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