Jamal Musiala Admits Facing Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger Is a Nightmare: “It’s Not Good to Play Against Him”
Bayern Munich star reflects on his toughest opponent in elite competition
Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most technically gifted attackers, has named Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger as his most difficult opponent to date. In an interview with The Athletic, the German international admitted that playing against the imposing center-back during last season’s Champions League clash was a bruising experience.
Musiala: “It’s not good to play against him”
The 21-year-old didn’t mince words when recalling his battle with Rüdiger in the high-stakes semifinal between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid during the 2023–24 Champions League campaign.
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“Toughest opponent? Antonio Rüdiger. We played Real Madrid in the Champions League, and that was really tough,” said Musiala.
“I’ve known him for a few years. And, yes, it’s not good to play against him,” he added, acknowledging Rüdiger’s relentless style and defensive dominance.
Musiala, who is currently sidelined with a long-term injury and expected to miss four months, has faced elite defenders across Europe, but Rüdiger, his compatriot, stands out.
Rüdiger’s Dominant 2023–24 Season with Real Madrid
Last season was a testament to Rüdiger’s durability and consistency. Amid a defensive injury crisis that sidelined Éder Militão and David Alaba, the German center-back emerged as Carlo Ancelotti’s most reliable defender.
He logged over 4,000 minutes across all competitions, including 4,076 minutes in 48 matches, a personal record since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2022.
Though his performance in the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG drew criticism, Rüdiger was pivotal in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League successes, often neutralizing top-tier forwards with his physicality and reading of the game.
Real Madrid Bolster Defense Amid Heavy Workload
With Rüdiger carrying the defensive load last season, Madrid has already moved to reinforce its backline. The arrivals of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carreras reflect concerns about squad depth, especially after injuries plagued the 2023–24 campaign.
Despite new arrivals, Rüdiger remains central to Madrid’s defensive plans, and testimonials like Musiala’s only confirm his status as one of Europe’s most feared defenders.
