Europe: Champions League
FT
3 - 1
(0 - 0)
Real Madrid
Stuttgart
K. Mbappé (46), A. Rüdiger (83), E. Moreira de Sousa (90)
D. Undav (68)
By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Undav warns against Rüdiger: "I know what a nasty defender he can be"

Deniz Undav has warned his Stuttgart teammates about Antonio Rüdiger ahead of VfB Stuttgart's Champions League opener against Real Madrid.

 

VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav will come up against fellow Germany international Antonio Rüdiger when the Swabians visit Real Madrid in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.

And ahead of the game, Undav says he's fully aware of what to expect from the centre-back, who is usually an unpleasant opponent.

"I know what a nasty defender he can be when you play against him," Undav told German media looking ahead to the game.

"I am prepared. During my time with the national team, I've noticed how he pinches you."

Undav won't be surprised if there's a lot of trash talk between Rüdiger and the Stuttgart players during the game.

"I'm definitely not averse to it. You're not going to make me lose it that way. No matter what you do," he emphasized.

No matter how difficult Tuesday's match looks on paper, the striker says it's vital Stuttgart don't lose heart.

“We want to win. If we play our game, we always have a chance. We can't be scared. If you're afraid of Real Madrid because it's Real Madrid, then you're going to lose,” Undav emphasized.

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