Carlo Ancelotti has explained why he substituted Eden Hazard in the second half against Shahktar Donetsk and issues injury update on Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has issued an update on Antonio Rudiger as he explains the decision to substitute Eden Hazard against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Hazard started upfront alongside Karim Benzema and Rodrygo against Shakhtar and put out a struggling performance for the Whites, who should have headed into the break in front.
Poor finishing from Madrid forced the first 45 minutes to end in stalemate and then went behind in the game seconds after the interval. Carlo Ancelotti knew his tactical masterclass was needed if Real Madrid were to get something off a well-orgainsed Shakhtar in Poland.
The Italian manager took action in the 57th minute by replacing Eden Hazard with Vinicius Jr, who has been in decent form for Madrid this season so far. It’s safe to admit that Ancelotti rested the Brazilian on Tuesday night in a bid to make an early preparation for this weekend’s El Clasico.
On why he substituted the former Chelsea forward, Carlo Ancelotti said: “I made the changes to bring freshness to the team. He had difficulties like Karim. The rival’s midfield was very closed and he didn’t have many chances between the lines. fulfilled and it was meditated to change the five players at the moment that the substitutions arrived.”
Zubkov broke the deadlock seconds after the second half whistle but Antonio Rudiger scored the equaliser in the injury time with a header after Real Madrid had fought hard to get back into the game right after the setback in the 46th minute.
Rudiger was left with a bloodied face after he cut his forehead during the challenge which resulted in the equaliser, although he was still able to see out the remainder of the game.
Speaking about the German’s fitness, Ancelotti told Real Madrid’s official website: “He has a cut on his forehead. He is mending it and emotionally he is fine. He laughs and is happy because he has scored an important goal.”
Antonio Rudiger’s goal helped Real Madrid qualify for the Champions League round of 16 after recording their 10th point from four group stage matches.