Reports from MARCA say that Real Madrid back Antonio Rudiger will likely not play against Union Berlin in the last game of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

The news source also says that Nacho will likely play in place of the German defender, who started the recent 1-1 draw against Real Betis.

Rudiger has played more than 1700 minutes in 20 games across all competitions for Real Madrid this season. Because of this, Carlo Ancelotti made the smart decision to rest him for the Champions League match, which will not matter anyway since Los Blancos have already advanced to the next round.

Rudiger knows how to lead his team.

As a result of Eder Militao’s absence, Rudiger has become the most important player in Real Madrid’s defense this season. 

Rudiger’s impact goes beyond his great play on the field and into the locker room, as shown by a memorable event that happened at the Benito Villamarin during the game against Real Betis.

In a show of leadership, Rudiger cut off Jude Bellingham’s joy, showing that he was taking the initiative to keep the team on task and put out a possible fire.

Even though he wasn’t wearing the captain’s armband, the German went up to the judge and kept things in order, which could have been a problem after the Englishman scored.

The event took place right after Bellingham scored the first goal in the 53rd minute. The player intentionally kissed a certain person, who happened to be a Betis fan. 

Rudiger saw a spark and quickly put it out, showing not only how good he is at defense on the field but also how captain-like he is off it.

Several events and moments this season have shown how important Rudiger is to the team and how well he leads them. The German has made sure that Eder Militao’s absence has not been noticed at all.

But since the back has played more than 360 minutes in each of Madrid’s last four games, he will probably need some rest.

So, Ancelotti is likely to choose Nacho, who is the club leader and has played a lot more this season than last.