Antonio Rudiger explained his desire to face Eden Hazard when Chelsea take on Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, speaking to Marca.
Thomas Tuchel’s all blues versus Zinedine Zidane’s all whites should be a fascinating battle between two of the continent’s biggest clubs.
There are several subplots going into the game that make the occasion even more intriguing.
The match will be played between two of the 12 teams who tried their luck with a European Super League, a plan that failed miserably.
It is the first time Chelsea and Madrid have contested each other in this competition and only the fourth time in their respective histories.
Familiar faces will also be in attendance at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
Thibaut Courtois left Chelsea in 2018 to join the La Liga Champions and is gearing up to face his former employers for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge.
But there’s one ex-Blue that Rudiger wants to make an appearance tomorrow: Hazard.
“I had a good relationship with him here at Chelsea,” said the German centre-back.
“I hope I can play, honestly.
“If you want to win, you have to play against the best and Hazard is one of the best. For me one of the top players in the world.”
Life in Madrid hasn’t been easy for Hazard following his departure from London two years ago.
Injuries have plagued his playing time for Los Blancos, limiting the Belgian international to just 37 games.
He returned after a 41-day absence in Madrid’s 0-0 draw with Real Betis last weekend.
Hazard only featured for 15 minutes, but it was cameo full of positives and one that will have boosted Zidane ahead of the Chelsea tie.
Marca reported that Madrid’s no.7 will start on the bench against the Blues, so Rudiger might have to wait a little longer for the reunion.
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