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GdS: Ruggeri âbloodied and heroicâ after dealing with âdemonâ Yamal in Champions League
TL;DR
Matteo Ruggeri was praised as 'heroic' by La Gazzetta dello Sport after Atlético Madrid's aggregate win over Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals. Despite a 2-1 loss in the second leg, Atlético advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate score.
GdS: Ruggeri âbloodied and heroicâ after dealing with âdemonâ Yamal in Champions League
La Gazzetta dello Sport calls Matteo Ruggeri âheroicâ after AtlĂ©tico Madridâs aggregate win over Barcelona, which sent the Colchoneros to the Champions League semi-finals.
Ruggeriâs AtlĂ©tico Madrid suffered a 2-1 home defeat to domestic rivals Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, but still managed to progress to the semis with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Italy international Ruggeri played the full game, emerging as one of the best players on the field at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Praise for Ruggeri as Atletico Madrid knock Barcelona out of Champions League
La Gazzetta dello Sport rated Ruggeri 7/10, the same as Antoine Griezmann and ex-Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, only behind his teammates Marcos Llorente and Kone and Barçaâs star Yamal (7.5).
âThe man from Bergamo had to deal with that demon on Lamine Yamal once again. And he did,â wrote Gazzetta.
âBloodied and, in the end, heroic.â
MADRID, SPAIN â APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of AtlĂ©tico de Madrid is checked on by teammates after going down injured as Jules Kounde and Pedri of FC Barcelona speak to referee Clement Turpin during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club AtlĂ©tico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ruggeri was elbowed by Barcelona midfielder Gavi in the final minutes, leaving him with a bleeding head wound and forcing the Italian to finish the match wearing a bandage.
MADRID, SPAIN â APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of AtlĂ©tico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club AtlĂ©tico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ruggeri, 23, is in his first season at Atlético Madrid, where he has collected seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Ruggeri was called up to the Italy national team only once, during the March break in 2025, and has yet to make his senior Azzurri debut, despite playing 16 games with Italy U21.
Q&A
How did Atlético Madrid qualify for the Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona?
Atlético Madrid qualified for the semi-finals by winning 3-2 on aggregate, despite losing the second leg 2-1 at home.
What performance did Matteo Ruggeri deliver in the match against Barcelona?
Matteo Ruggeri played the full match and was recognized as one of the best players on the field, earning praise for his performance.
What was the significance of Ruggeri's performance in the Champions League quarter-finals?
Ruggeri's performance was significant as it helped Atlético Madrid overcome a tough challenge from Barcelona and secure their place in the semi-finals.
