From BZ/dpa
Antonio Rüdiger’s debut goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League was important – and very painful. His face and jersey were covered in blood when the Germany international was escorted off after his fifth-minute stoppage-time equalizer against Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw.
A supervisor pressed on a cloth Rüdiger’s forehead to stop the heavy bleeding. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” wrote the 29-year-old Berliner on Instagram after midnight, reassuring fans: “I’m okay. Thank you for all your messages.”
What happened? After a long cross from the former world champion Tony Kroos the advanced Rüdiger rattled together with Donetsk keeper Anatolij Trubin when he scored a header. Their heads banged violently, both players seemed dazed at first. While Rüdiger got back on his feet relatively quickly, Trubin was treated lying on the grass for minutes.
Split seconds before the collision: Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger heads the ball towards the goal. Donetsk keeper Anatoly Trubin arrives too late, the two players bang their heads Photo: picture alliance/ AP
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed afterwards that Rüdiger’s injury was a “rather long” laceration. “He wanted to get back on the pitch, but then he realized he was injured,” said the Italian, who gave the all-clear: “I think it’s nothing serious.”
Antonio Rüdiger is bleeding profusely after colliding with the opposing goalkeeper Photo: picture alliance/ AP
Template provider Kroos didn’t really want to look at the injury, “I’ve seen nicer pictures in my life,” he said, “it’s a lot of blood. I hope he comes back soon.”
At least Rüdiger’s commitment was worth it: the late equalizer saw the defending champions qualify early for the round of 16 in the premier class and averted an embarrassing defeat at home to arch-rivals FC Barcelona shortly before the important Clásico on Sunday.