Ferdinand expressed surprise as to why Ancelotti failed to start former Chelsea defender vs Man City

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has reacted to Spanish club Real Madrid’s defeat to Man City on Wednesday night.

The match saw Carlo Ancelotti opting not to start Antonio Rudiger vs Manchester City, which saw the EPL champions thrash them in a 4-0 scoreline at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City have now progressed to the finals where they will now face Seria A club Inter Milan on June 10.

Recall that Rudiger impressed during the first leg of Madrid’s game vs Man City at the Bernabeu, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

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However, the former Chelsea defender was made a substitute in the second leg at the Etihad as Ancelotti chose to start Eder Militao to partner David Alaba in defence.

“I am surprised Ancelotti [did] not start Rüdiger. I think to myself ‘has any defender done better vs Haaland this season?’ probably not. It’s a massive call,” he said.

Rudiger’s defender against Erling Haaland in the first leg as the Norwegian, who has bagged 52 goals in 48 games across competitions failed to score.