According to “Varzesh3,” citing AS, Real Madrid had no chance, a fact made clear by Arsenal’s clear dominance in both matches. But if Real Madrid had any chance of success, it certainly wasn’t the way Antonio Rüdiger imagined.

The German defender tried to intimidate his opponents with poorly timed fouls and reckless tackles, but these actions only stopped the game and dragged the match in the direction Arsenal wanted. He confused speed with clumsiness and courage with low-level behavior.

Real Madrid’s history is full of leaders who have been impeccable role models on and off the field, with no need for unsportsmanlike or inappropriate behavior. Rüdiger’s sacrifice and determination are undeniable, but this season, he has not been in ideal physical form and has repeatedly tried to compensate for this deficiency with unsportsmanlike conduct. One shouldn’t laugh at Rüdiger’s actions but rather remind him that Real Madrid demands its players to be great in victory—but more importantly, to show greatness in defeat as well.