Real Madrid is set to face a potential setback in the upcoming Champions league Quarter finals against Arsenal. The German Defender’s celebration gesture towards Atletico fans has led to a controversy, due to which Rüdiger is at risk of facing a possible suspension in the upcoming clash. UEFA is investigating the issue, which may not turn in Madrid’s favor.
Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. Madrid scored 2 goals in the first leg and Atletico scored only one. Atletico came back in the second leg by restricting Madrid and scoring a goal. The match tied in the extra time and went onto penalty shootout. Real Madrid’s defender, Rüdiger took the final penalty in which he scored. He ran straight to Atletico fans and celebrated aggressively. Other Madrid players also joined him in mocking the Atletico fans.
Atletico reported Real Madrid players to the UEFA for inappropriate conduct. Four Madrid players including Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Antonio Rüdiger were investigated for this issue. Rüdiger throat cutting celebration was the most provocative celebration amongst the others. It is highly expected that apart from Rüdiger, others will be allowed to play.
Big trouble for Real Madrid
Real Madrid are going to face Arsenal in the Champions league quarterfinals . They are currently playing without a proper defense. Rüdiger absence not only affect the defense but also the overall structure of the team. He provides defensive solidity and also leadership to the team. Rüdiger also scored the winner in the Copa Del Rey semis against Sociedad. His absence will affect Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti has to come up with a backup plan.
On the other hand Rüdiger absence could potentially be a boost to Arsenal’s attack. Due to the lack of experienced defense, Arsenal’s attack could exploit this situation to their favor. Bukayo Saka is back after a long injury. He scored his first goal in 2025, just seven minutes after entering the pitch. With Arsenal’s attack strengthened and Rüdiger’s absence in the defense, it is going to be a big trouble for Real Madrid.
In order to restore Madrid’s defense, their midfielders are set to play in the defense. The complexity in key matchups is going to affect the result of the game. Arsenal’s attack can now open freely and press against Madrid’s defense. Ancelotti’s side now have to adapt to new situation and also manage the workload of players.
Author’s View
The investigation is currently going on and things are uncertain whether Rüdiger will play or not. He is a character that every team needs. His suspension will affect Madrid in a lot of ways. Even though Madrid’s defense is not properly structured, they have the best attacking trio in the world. They are known for their Champions league legacy. Madrid have done it in the past, they surely will find a way to do it again. It is also likely that Arsenal will miss Gabriel due to his injury. The fate of the match rests on the shoulders of both team’s attack. It is going to be a close game, but Madrid remains the favorites to win the match.
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