Real Madrid have to seriously consider making an upgrade on one player when the transfer window opens, with him looking finished at Champions League level during the Spanish side's 2-1 loss to Manchester City.
With pressure mounting on Xabi Alonso, the hosts needed to make a good early impression and made a bright start, with City struggling to string passes together. But they were made to wait until the 28th minute for the opening goal, as Rodrygo burst into the box before smacking it past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite being outplayed for large portions of the first half, Pep Guardiola's side found an equaliser from a set-piece eight minutes later. Thibaut Courtois couldn't claim Josko Gvardiol's header from a corner, which allowed Nico O'Reilly to pounce from close range. And things went from bad to worse for Los Blancos minutes later, after Erling Haaland dispatched a penalty, having been fouled in the box by Antonio Rudiger.
Madrid did emerge for the second half with the same hunger they had shown in the opening minutes of the game, with Jude Bellingham chipping an effort from close range over the crossbar shortly after play resumed. But they could not find a way past Donnarumma for a second, with them faltering to a second defeat in the competition this season.
Rudiger has Dismal Night as Real Madrid Lose to Man City
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva in action with Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger
UEFA Champions League - Real Madrid v Manchester City - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - December 10, 2025 Manchester City's Bernardo Silva in action with Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
While Madrid looked bright going forward, they left a lot to be desired at the back. Courtois had to be alert on several occasions to stop the hosts losing all control of proceedings, and big questions really need to be asked over Rudiger's spot in the line-up.
The German has been known for his aggressive approach to defending while at Chelsea and his current club, which has helped make him one of the best defenders in world football. But he's been guilty of making multiple mistakes so far in 2025/26 for both club and country ever since coming back from injury.
He made an error for one of Slovakia's goals against Germany back in September. And against City, the Berlin-born defender made a rash decision to concede the penalty.
Xabi Alonso Related
Real Madrid Next Manager: 19 Favourites to Replace Xabi Alonso Amid Sack Claims
Xabi Alonso is under pressure after winning just two of his last seven matches across all competitions.
Beyond that moment, though, Rudiger didn't look like his assured self that supporters have come to expect. Guardiola's side regularly tried to exploit him when advancing into the box, and he could well have cost his side more goals were it not for some smart goalkeeping from his teammate Courtois.
By the end of the game, he had won just one of his four ground duels and one of his four aerial duels. Moreover, the centre-back, who earned a 3/10 in GIVEMESPORT's player ratings, lost the ball six times, and was lucky not to be shown a second yellow and get sent off after clumsily bringing down Savinho.
Check Out Rudiger's Match Statistics Below:
Antonio Rudiger Match Statistics From Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
Touches
Tackles (Won)
Interceptions
Clearances
Blocked Shots
Recoveries
Ground Duels (Won)
Aerial Duels (Won)
Fouls
Penalties Committed
Possession Lost
Madrid have little choice but to play him presently, due to injuries to new signing Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao and David Alaba. But, at 32-years-old and with Rudiger in the final year of his contract, the club really must consider letting him go as a free agent next summer and making a notable upgrade.
Real Madrid Supporters Call For Rudiger Upgrade After Man City Loss
Real Madrid CF`s Antonio Rudiger during Champions League 2025/2026 match. December 10,2025. (ALTERPHOTOS/Ropero)
Having been culpable for one of City's goals and after looking vulnerable throughout Wednesday night's tie, Rudiger has been the target of criticism from Real Madrid supporters, many of whom also believe that they need to replace him. One, reacting to the penalty decision, wrote: "Madrid having an absolute shocker at the back. Rudiger continues his poor form and gives away an atrocious penalty which Haaland buries."
Another, giving their thoughts on the German international's defending for the spot kick, said: "That has to be a penalty on Haaland. Rudiger shocker." And a fellow fan slammed numerous stars in Alonso's setup, but not before labelling the centre-back "horrendous."
"Rudiger, horrendous, Valverde getting schooled by Doku, horrendous defending. Courtois has to hold the ball there before O'Reilly puts it in regardless of that, he is free inside the box, too much space behind making sure that some City players are free."
More supporters believe that Rudiger's latest outing is the biggest sign that he is not equipped to play for Madrid moving forward. One fan wrote: "Rudiger is finished." To which one more said: "Rudiger is an absolute liability. Awful footballer."
A final supporter urged the club to make an upgrade in a few months, saying: "Rudiger needs to leave this team next summer transfer. We need a fully fit better CB."