Real Madrid News
Real Madrid match-winner elated after victory over Union Berlin: “Gives me a lot of confidence”
Real Madrid pulled off yet another unbelievable comeback in the UEFA Champions League last night to register a late 3-2 win over Union Berlin. The result sees them top the table with a perfect 18 points and in clear first place ahead of Napoli.
The game was far from easy for Los Blancos and even included a missed penalty from Luka Modric. Yet, the team showed great character in the second period to warrior on and take all three points.
Dani Ceballos, one of the goalscorers on the night, spoke to the media after the clash. He began by speaking on the importance of the three points and the significance of Real Madrid’s unbeaten spell.
“We are happy for the full of victories in the Group Stage. We had achieved it three times more in history and on a personal level the goal gives me a lot of confidence. I am very happy to have been able to give the three points to the team.”
The Spanish midfielder also emphasised how the team gave it their all despite the match having no bearing on their qualification.
“We have achieved all the possible points. The team has come out plugged in despite being an inconsequential match, but the DNA of this shield forces you to win.”
“Our goal was full of victories and we have achieved it. The team has proposed everything in the best possible way and today until the last minute we have gone for victory. We are very happy,” he added.
When Union Berlin netted the equaliser with five minutes to go, many felt the game was set to finish a draw. Yet, as Real Madrid do so often, they found a winner despite the time limitation.
“The differential factor is the good rapport that is on and off the field. Despite the injuries, the team is competing and arriving in better shape and this victory reinforces us for the two games that we have left before the Christmas break,” Ceballos said on the secret behind Real Madrid’s ability to comeback.
“We are very happy for these 15 games without losing but La Liga is very complicated and in the Champions League there are very strong teams,” he added, urging his teammates forward to fight on all fronts.
The midfielder then spoke on his difficult start to the season, for he has faced repeated injuries right from preseason.
“I am happy personally. It has not been the desired start of the season for me, because I had never had injuries and I relapsed.”
“The last two games were not the best either and today I found myself more comfortable. What I have to do is add and contribute to the team as much as possible,” he added.
Finally, Ceballos detailed how his winning goal came to be and the work that went into its buildup.
“It has been a great pass from Bellingham, I have seen that the rival opened his legs a little and I have managed to put it underneath. Rüdiger told me to hit her like this because the defender opened his legs when defending.”
Source: Real Madrid website
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
