For some time now, there has been talk of signing another centre-back, however, it was a centre-back who secured the win at Real Madrid's home game against Mallorca.
Antonio Rudiger was the only senior centre-back available to the team on Wednesday night. Carlo Ancelotti's side started the season with four centre-backs, but first Eder Miglio and then David Alaba, both suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Club captain Nacho was the fourth, but he was suspended after being sent off for a red card in Madrid's last game before Christmas.
Rudiger's 78th-minute header after Luka Modric's corner provided the key moment. It was his second La Liga goal in Madrid – the first in September 2022, also against Mallorca. The win meant Real Madrid were midway through the season at the top of the league table, ahead of Girona on goal difference alone (they later beat Atletico Madrid 4-3 at home on Wednesday night to keep their incredible winning streak alive).
Rudiger reacted to his brilliant sweeping header by getting up from the turf of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and running towards the corner flag to celebrate. Before arriving, he knelt down and rested his head on the grass on the sidelines, as if praying - he was a devout believer. Soon, Rodrigo arrived and started jokingly slapping him on the back. When Rudiger stood up, the other players followed suit in the same way – with Joseroux, Luka Modric and Bellingham all joining in the banter.
The reaction may have come as a bit of a surprise to the average observer, but for most Madrid supporters, it was almost expected. The 30-year-old Rudiger often celebrates their goals by chasing and slapping teammates – in a friendly way. Now it's their turn to take revenge.
Rudiger was in the spotlight again after the game, when he was out of the shirt and gave it to a fan in the stands – and later substitute Lucas Vasquez simulated a fight with him. But there were other signs of his special place in the team – including Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior inviting him to dance on the way to the dressing room.
Today it was my turn [to be beaten] and I have to accept that for me it's not a problem, it's normal," Rudiger said after the match. 'Next game Bellingham, Brahim or Vinny will score and I'll play them. ”
Rudiger's words raise another question, but to understand it better, we must first recall Madrid's away match against Union Berlin in the Champions League a month ago. Ahead of that game, Vasquez was asked if Rudiger was "a little crazy". He laughed hard and replied, "A little crazy?!" As a good madman, no one knows his secrets. He's had a great season and he's at an unbelievable level. ”
Yesterday, Rudiger was asked about this and replied freely: "If someone says I'm a little crazy, does that bother me?" No, because I'm a little crazy, but in a positive sense. I have no problem. If people laugh, if we all laugh, then it's fine. ”
In fact, Rudiger's personality on the pitch, his sometimes unusual reactions and gestures, and the often dramatic battles between him and the opposition strikers, are much discussed and loved by Madrid fans. His name was often chanted by fans in the stands. A series of standout performances also helped – the highlight of which was how he managed to limit Manchester City's Erling Haaland in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final at home in early May.
While Rudiger was talking about the details, Carlo Ancelotti also praised him at his post-match press conference.
He took advantage of the injuries at centre-back, which were serious, and he has maintained a very high level and continuity," said the Italian. "He's always focused and ready. He's a safety net for the defense and he's been one of the best so far. ”
Former Madrid and Germany player Mesut Ozil is more certain than Carlo Ancelotti. "Tony Rudiger is simply the best defender in the world right now," he tweeted. "My previous club, Real Madrid, had an incredible season. You can also ask Haaland or Osimon Osnia what they think of him! Take a look at what happened to Chelsea after he left......They miss his mental ...... every day”
Mesut Ozil's words capture a feeling shared by many Madrid fans. Aurelian Tchouameni would feel the same way – he was enjoying Rudiger's level when he had to settle at centre-back.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are now unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions. How appropriate, Rudiger played a role in Real Madrid, who are known as the "winter champions" of La Liga, despite the fact that the team is said to be in the midst of a defensive crisis.