Even six weeks after their La Liga clash, Getafe’s Diego Rico (33) still harbors resentment towards German international Antonio Rüdiger (33).
«Do I have to apologize for him letting me live?» Rico sarcastically commented on the Real Madrid defender in the podcast ‘La Otra Grada’. Rico described Rüdiger as a «very aggressive player» who «crossed the line» in a highly publicized tackle.
The incident in question occurred in early March during Real’s 0-1 defeat to Getafe. The German defender’s knee connected with Rico’s face while the latter was on the ground, nearly half an hour into the match. Rico cried out in pain, but play continued. Referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz took no action, and VAR did not intervene to review the incident for potential violent conduct or a serious foul.
Rico found this incomprehensible even immediately after the game: «If he hits me badly, he leaves me lying on the grass. He wanted to smash my face in.»
«Rüdiger Could Have Broken His Jaw on the Spot»
The tackle was extensively discussed in the Spanish media afterward. Former referee Alfonso Perrez Burrull, speaking on Radio Marca, was measured in his assessment: «This is an action that should have been reviewed by VAR, because in my opinion, the Real Madrid defender should have been sent off.»
Journalist Dani Carrido of Cadena SER was more direct: «Rüdiger could have broken his jaw on the spot,» he stated. Juanma Castano of Cadena COPE labeled the action «one of the most brutal fouls we have ever seen.»
Only the Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo advocated for a lenient punishment for Rüdiger, suggesting, «The German got away with an action that deserved a yellow card.»
Rüdiger himself responded a few days later, emphasizing that his contact was unintentional. While admitting it looked «terrible» in slow motion, he added, «I didn’t kill him. If I went in with intention, I would have injured him. It was never my intention to hurt him – but I play hard.»
Julian Nagelsmann Warned Antonio Rüdiger
Rüdiger had previously made negative headlines in April 2025 when he threw a roll of tape towards the referee during the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona and insulted the official. He received a six-match ban from the Spanish Football Federation.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann also addressed the incident at the time, stating: «The limit has been reached. He shouldn’t allow himself any more, otherwise there will be bigger consequences.»
Rüdiger was once again in the spotlight during the Royals’ quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich. Josip Stanišić made serious accusations against the international after the match, claiming Rüdiger insulted him after another debatable tackle. «I don’t need to talk about what happened when I was on the ground. You can ask Toni about that. But in my opinion, something like that is unacceptable,» Stanisic fumed, adding, «Only one word was said – and twice. But you can ask him yourself what he said. Maybe he’s man enough to admit it!»
Antonio Rüdiger’s Season Statistics
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |