Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has explained why he relished going up against Manchester City's Erling Haaland last season.
Los Blancos and the Cityzens met during the semi-finals of the Champions League for a second successive season. After progressing to the final in dramatic fashion in 2022, the Spaniards were swept away by the English champions this time around.
Before ultimately being thrashed 4-0 in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid put the frighteners on Man City at the Santiago Bernabeu, going a goal up in an eventual 1-1 draw.
During that first leg, Rudiger was tasked with man-marking Haaland, who was on his way to scoring 52 goals throughout his debut season at Man City. The Norwegian did not find the net in either leg against Real Madrid, however.
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Speaking to GQ (via AS), Rudiger discussed his battle with Haaland and detailed his enjoyment of playing under such an intense spotlight.
"I was absolutely calm. I know how far I can go if I am at 100% both physically and mentally. A circumstance was created that I love," Rudiger said.
"The days before, the media wondered if I was going to be able to defend Haaland. There were a lot of doubts in the atmosphere and if I'm honest, I love that atmosphere: I shine more when people doubt me."
Haaland was unable to score against Real Madrid across 180 minutes. Kevin De Bruyne scored a phenomenal equaliser at the Santiago Bernabeu to cancel out Vinicius Junior's similarly tremendous strike, while a brace from Bernardo Silva and late goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez helped ensure Man City's progression to the final, beating Inter in Istanbul.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Antonio Rudiger reveals why he loved battling Erling Haaland.
