BREAKING NEWS: Shocking confession from Rudiger — “I meant to end his career yesterday after what he said to me in the tunnel. The kid was completely out of line and doesn’t deserve to be on a football pitch,” the Real Madrid defender said, finally revealing what led to his aggressive stomp on Lewis-Skelly’s chest during the match. It was a challenge that could’ve easily resulted in a career-ending injury, but thankfully, Lewis-Skelly escaped serious harm.

Arsenal’s historic victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, which earned them a place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in more than ten years, was marred by a stunning post-match revelation from Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger. The German center-back confessed that his on-field altercation with Arsenal’s young midfielder, Myles Lewis-Skelly, was not an accident as many initially assumed.

 

In a startling interview, Rudiger disclosed that his challenge was fuelled by rage over something Lewis-Skelly reportedly said to him before the match. With remarkable frankness, Rudiger admitted he had malicious intent, claiming he wanted to harm the young player because of a disrespectful comment made in the tunnel. His emotional state was evident as he accused Lewis-Skelly of showing no respect and argued that someone with such behavior shouldn’t be on the pitch.

 

The incident occurred during the second half of Arsenal’s 2-1 win on the night, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph over Madrid. Cameras captured Lewis-Skelly in visible pain after Rudiger stepped on his abdomen, sparking widespread concern and outrage. Despite clear footage showing Rudiger’s boot making deliberate contact, neither the referee nor VAR took any action.

 

Commentators and fans were stunned by the lack of a call. TNT Sports’ Darren Fletcher expressed shock during the live broadcast, noting the referee’s failure to even stop play immediately despite the apparent foul. Social media quickly exploded with criticism, with many demanding answers about why Rudiger wasn’t penalized during the game.

 

Arsenal supporters were especially vocal, condemning the incident and showing overwhelming support for Lewis-Skelly. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, opted for a measured response, focusing on his team’s performance rather than escalating tensions. He emphasized the squad’s growth and mental strength, highlighting how well they handled the pressure of a high-stakes match.

 

Behind closed doors, however, the mood was less composed. Reports began circulating that Arsenal may file a formal complaint with UEFA about Rudiger’s conduct. As controversy swirled, Rudiger’s justification for the act only made things worse. While he insisted Lewis-Skelly provoked him with offensive language, those close to the Arsenal camp refuted the claim, pointing out the youngster’s reputation for professionalism and respect.

 

The match itself had its own moments of drama. Saka missed a golden opportunity early with a poorly taken penalty, but later redeemed himself with a brilliant finish. Madrid briefly rallied with a goal from Vinicius Jr., but Arsenal maintained control. Martinelli’s late strike sealed the result, sending Arsenal through to face PSG in the semi-finals.

 

However, the game’s result was overshadowed by Rudiger’s disturbing revelation. His admission drew criticism from across the football world, with pundits like Rio Ferdinand calling it unacceptable regardless of the provocation. With public pressure mounting, UEFA now faces calls to investigate the matter further. For Lewis-Skelly, the incident is a harsh lesson in the challenges of elite football, but the outpouring of support suggests he won’t face it alone.