Real Madrid have had a perfect start to their new La Liga campaign under Xabi Alonso and are looking like a well-oiled machine after last season's disappointment.
Los Blancos are one of the two teams to register three wins out of three in the 2025/26 La Liga alongside Athletic Bilbao.
They have registered wins over Osasuna, Real Oviedo and Mallorca to start their new league campaign after finishing second to Barcelona in the previous season.
The Spanish giants have mostly focused on their backline in this summer transfer window, and they also received a major boost when Antonio Rudiger return to action against Oviedo.
The Germany international returned to the field on August 24 after serving a long suspension in La Liga due to a heated exchange with referee Ricardo De Burgos in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Rudiger was sent off for throwing a Kinesio tape towards the referee after he didn't agree with his on-field decision as they lost to Barcelona.
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Incidentally, on his return De Burgos was the referee responsible for officiating the match between Real Madrid and Real Oviedo and as per reports via Marca, Rudiger went up to the referee and apologized for his actions in person.
Rudiger had already apologized on social media right after the final, but he felt an apology in person was required, proving his maturity as a player and how much he wants to get over the infamous incident.
Antonio Rudiger continues to be key for Real Madrid heading into the 2025/26 season
Several reports suggest that Rudiger's apology was warmly accepted by De Burgos as the duo had a calm constructive conversation and it ended on a cordial tone.
The 32-year-old is focused on doing well for Real Madrid after a long absence as he is key to Alonso's plans in his debut season at the Spanish capital.
The German will have to put up great performances to keep his place in the starting eleven given the addition of Dean Huijsen and the injury return of Eder Militao, fighting for his spot.
Rudiger's current contract comes to an end next summer and despite uncertainty around his future, the veteran defender is keen to produce defining performances for Los Blancos.
With the World Cup coming up next year, Rudiger will be keen to maintain consistency whilst taking care of his physical health after suffering a knee injury last season.
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