Real Madrid has no one left to defend. At least numerically. When the season started, almost all of their center-backs were healthy, but as the competitive cycle progressed, they started dropping out one by one. The latest to end up in the medical room is Antonio Rüdiger. The Madrid-based newspaper AS affectionately calls him “Rambo,” comparing his role, importance, and even physique to the famous character played by Sylvester Stallone. But now, even he is wounded.😴 Antonio Rudiger représente toutes les personnes qui regardent Espanyol-Real Madrid en ce moment #Ennui #UnButSVP pic.twitter.com/T7bMxYylea— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) February 1, 2025 In the away match against Espanyol in La Liga’s 21st round, the German international had to leave the pitch after just 15 minutes, causing a major headache for coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian had already lost Éder Militão to injury, which is why Rüdiger’s main partner in defense had been Aurélien Tchouaméni. In some matches, youth academy player Raúl Asencio was given a chance, while David Alaba had just recovered enough to play a few minutes in the previous game against Las Palmas. However, the Austrian international had been out for so long that Ancelotti was reluctant to take any risks. Since Alaba isn’t ready to play 60, let alone 75 minutes, Raúl Asencio replaced Rüdiger in the match at Cornellà.Espanyol bring the King to his knees! Real Madrid are wounded!A detailed examination of Antonio Rüdiger’s injury is scheduled for Sunday, but alarms have already been raised. Understandably so, since the defender has played in every league match this season, featured in all eight Champions League group-stage games, appeared in both Super Cup matches, and played in the UEFA Super Cup clash against Atalanta. The only time he rested was during the early rounds of the Copa del Rey.Ambitious Saudis: Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar to replace Neymar?!And now, Real Madrid is entering what the Madrid press describes as a “storm of matches.” After the trip to Catalonia, they face Leganés in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Wednesday, followed by a La Liga clash against Atlético next week, then the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Manchester City, a tricky away game at Osasuna’s El Sadar, and then the return leg against Pep Guardiola’s side.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 22Friday Leganes – Rayo Vallecano 0-1 (0-0)/Ciss 78/Saturday Getafe – Sevilla 0-0Villarreal – Valladolid 5-1 (1-0)/Perez 42, Gueye 64, Comesana 70, Barry 86, Suarez 90+1 – Amallah 90+4/Atl.Madrid – Mallorca 2-0 (1-0)/Lino 26, Griezmann 90+3/Espanyol – Real Madrid 1-0 (0-0)/Romero 85/Sunday 16.00: (1.17) Barcelona (8.00) Alaves (14.0)18.15: (2.35) Valencia (3.25) Celta (3.15)20.30: (2.95) Osasuna (3.00) Sociedad (2.65)23.00: (3.05) Betis (3.15) Ath.Bilbao (2.45)Monday 23.00: (1.70) Girona (3.60) Las Palmas (5.30)***odds are subject to change***
