Suarez, Rudiger rekindle rivalry as Chelsea, Atletico Madrid tango

One of the most interesting match-ups in the first leg against Atletico Madrid was that of Toni Rudiger and Luis Suarez, who came together on a number of occasions in Bucharest.

No Chelsea supporter needs reminding of Suarez’s style and guile on the pitch from his days as a Liverpool player. Three weeks ago he proved a typical nuisance, although the Blues backline deserve plenty of credit for limiting him to no clear chances in front of goal.

It was Rudiger who found himself most often coming face to face with the Uruguayan, including in one incident when Suarez appeared to pinch his inner thigh.

‘He defends his badge, I defend mine,’ said the German on the eve of tonight’s big game.

‘This isn’t something that gives me a boost. I go with no feeling of pressure of his revenge or something like this. I am just focused on our targets: to win the game and pass through.

‘He is a world-class player and he has shown that at every club he has been at. He has a lot of fight in him. He’s a tough opponent.

‘The attack is not only Luis Suarez, it’s Joao Felix who is a great talent and a good young prospect. He is a different type of player but a player I love to watch because of his technique. He has something special.’