Anthony Rudiger’s stoppage-time equaliser for Real Madrid against Shakhtar came with a profound cost. The former Chelsea star headed in a last-minute equaliser for the Los Blancos in the 95th minute to secure a point for the team against the Ukrainian Champions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s hitherto 100 percent record in the 2022/23 Champions League campaign was ended by Ukrainian champions, Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shakhtar Donetsk blotted out the Los Blancos’ spotless Champions League form with Zubkov’s 46th-minute strike, almost resulting in a defeat for the La Liga champions.
The defending champions needed at least a draw to secure a place in the knockout rounds, but a perfect and tactical display by the Ukrainian champions proved a tough nut for Carlo Ancelotti to crack.
Meanwhile, the absences of key Real Madrid midfielders, Vinicius jr and Luka Modric, was perfectly felt throughout the game.
Real Madrid dominated the game in the first half as expected, but were less clinical and blundering in front of goal.
Karim Benzema made his presence felt in the game as he took Anatoliy Trubin to task in some minutes of the game.
The French forward made some goal attempts, but Anatoliy Trubin was equal to the task as he prevented the host from conceding in the first half.
Shakhtar had a great start, but with their moments of blunders, also. Nevertheless, they were able to find the back of the net within 30 seconds into the second half.
Zubkov struck to give Shakhtar Donetsk a surprising lead as they aimed for a historic win over the defending champions.
Real Madrid were making efforts to find an equalizer as the game continued. Ancelotti was obviously frustrated as the Los Blancos could not break the goal deadlock.
He then brought in Luka Modric and Vinicius jr, after reserving them on the bench against the highly-anticipated El-Classico in the weekend.
Luka Modric and Vinicius jr gave a great impetus to the Real Madrid midfield, but it was not enough to secure a goal.
Ancelotti then forgo defensive for more attacking options in the game. It finally paid off in the 95th minute after intense pressure.
It was Rudiger who made Real Madrid’s intense pressure count after he connected with Toni Kroos to head home a 95th-minute equaliser for the Los Blancos.
Rudiger head injury
here is why Rudiger is trending👇🏽
— 𝐃𝐞𝐣𝐢💰 (@UtdDeji_) October 11, 2022
He gets injured after scoring the wining goal 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ya56N82SWn
After salvaging a point for Real Madrid, the former Chelsea defender collided with Anatoliy Trubin, leading to a head injury.
Rudiger! MOTM
— ENNYBANKS🔰 (@Ennybanks2) October 11, 2022
WHAT A PLAYER!😳 pic.twitter.com/hCkNVcRz6Z
According to reports, Anthony Rudiger will need 20 stitches for the wound, which left him bloodied.
After the match, Rudiger posted a picture of his head swathed in bandage, as he thank all fans for their support saying he is alive.
Shakhtar Donetsk poor form in the Champions League continued after the last minute straw against Real Madrid.
They have won only two matches in the last sitxeen Champions League matches.
Despite sharing spoilers with the Ukrainian Champions, Real Madrid still leads the group with 10 points.
