Overview
- Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City after a 2–1 win in Manchester, and a strained post‑match handshake between Antonio Rüdiger and Pep Guardiola prompted teammates and staff to step in.
- Multiple outlets reported that Rüdiger held Guardiola’s hand as they spoke, Nathan Aké and Álvaro Arbeloa intervened, and Guardiola responded with a mocking air kiss.
- Rüdiger said at a pre‑match press conference that slow‑motion replays exaggerated his early‑March challenge on Getafe’s Diego Rico and insisted he never intended to hurt him.
- Rico accused Rüdiger of a deliberate, brutal act after being struck in the face by Rüdiger’s knee while on the ground; he received treatment but finished the match.
- The referee did not sanction the incident and VAR did not intervene, and no formal disciplinary measures have been announced.