Footage of How Antonio Rudiger Manhandled Erling Haaland Leaves Fans in Stitches

• Man City's Erling Haaland had a quiet game against Real Madrid largely due to Antonio Rudiger
• Haaland was unable to add to his tally as Man City played to a draw at Real Madrid's stronghold
• The Norwegian and the German will rekindle hostility when both sides meet in their second leg

Antonio Rudiger's unconventional man-marking approach on Erling Haaland has left football fans in stitches.

The Real Madrid defender kept Haaland at bay throughout the first leg, forcing the Norwegian goal-scoring machine to feed on crumbs.

Haaland, who currently leads the goal-scorers chart in the Champions League with 12 goals, per UEFA, failed to add to his tally. Rudiger ensured he had a very quiet evening at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as Man City shared the spoils with the current UCL holders.

The German's bizarre yet effective approach ensured the Citizens' top marksman, who was averaging a Champions League goal every 58 minutes in his career, did not increase his tally, per ESPN.

"He thinks he is Messi," Ronaldo mocked by fans after failed attempt at dribbling

Football

Rudiger was practically all over Haaland and his antics have left football fans buzzing about his style.

Champions League: Rudiger pockets Haaland

Fans react to Rudiger, Haaland

@leafricangooner marvelled at Rudiger's unconventional style of dealing with Haaland:

"This Rudiger guy is something else. Have to give it to him, though. He got the job done."

Another user, @HalaHaneef, added:

"Rudiger to Halaand: Everywhere you go."

@Tango4Bango applauded Rudiger for marshalling Haaland:

"Reason Haaland was the biggest player on that pitch yesterday. Gotta be double extra effort to make the “GOAL TERMINATOR” uncomfortable. Nice job, Rudiger.

@MadridClout simply said:

"Rüdiger totally pocketed Haaland last night."

@favourea_ wrote:

"Man loves this types of game eh! It’s like he was born for these sorts of challenges."

Ballon d'Or: Fans cannot agree who between Messi and Haaland deserves the award

Football

Rudiger warns Man City

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Real Madrid defender, Rudiger being unfazed by the task of progressing to the final of the UEFA Champions League.

The German put in a masterclass performance to help his team play out to a 1-1 draw against Premier League giants, Man City on Tuesday night.

Rudiger rarely put a foot wrong throughout the first leg, including reducing Norwegian goal-scoring machine, Haaland to a much quieter game.