Toni Kroos: Real Madrid star showed he's a football genius before Rudiger equaliser | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger showed incredible bravery to score an injury-time equaliser for Real Madrid against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.

The European champions were surprisingly trailing the Ukrainian side after Oleksandr Zubkov had put the hosts on the brink of a famous victory.

However, in the 95th minute, Rudiger and Real Madrid broke Shakhtar’s hearts.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were desperately searching for a late equaliser when they sent Rudiger forward.

In fact, midfielder Toni Kroos appeared to orchestrate the move.

Just minutes previously with the ball at his feet, the German midfielder waved Rudiger forward. He then lofted a beautiful pass onto the head of Rudiger, who put it just wide with his header.

VIDEO: Kroos waved Rudiger forward and almost creates equaliser

But it was second time lucky.

The former Chelsea defender got his head on the end of another Kroos long ball to nod the ball past Donetsk goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin. The clash was sickening and the Real Madrid man came off worse with blood covering his face and dripping down onto his white Real shirt.

Rudiger had rescued a point for Real Madrid - but it was all thanks to the genius of Kroos to not only direct the forward run but to play the inch-perfect pass.

Not the first time Ancelotti allowed his players to make decisions

It's not the first time, Ancelotti has appeared to allow his senior players to make decisions during a Champions League game.

Last season during the incredible semi-final comeback against Manchester City, the Italian asked Marcelo and Kroos for their advice on which substitutes to bring on.

"Ancelotti asked for the opinion of the experienced players on who he should sub on at extra time," Kroos revealed afterwards. "This situation describes him perfectly as a coach and is why he works so well with the team."

Ancelotti: Rudiger is okay

After the draw with Shakhtar draw, Ancelotti revealed that Rudiger was okay after the clash. “He’s got a cut on his forehead. He’s recovering and he’s ok mentally. He was laughing and he’s happy because he scored an important goal.”

Meanwhile, Rudiger posted: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I am okay - thanks for all your messages."