Rudiger’s header seals last-16 qualification for Real Madrid

After Shakhtar Donetsk took the lead in the Champions League on Tuesday, a last-gasp header by Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger salvaged a 1-1 draw and sealed their place in the knockout stage.

Real Madrid leads Group F by four points over second-placed RB Leipzig, who won 2-0 at Celtic. Shakhtar dropped to third place with five points.

Shakhtar host Leipzig in the final round of games, therefore despite the draw, Real cannot finish worse than second and advance to the last 16 ahead of their next group game on Oct. 25 at Leipzig.

“We found a goal that put us through to the next stage and it’s satisfying. But we didn’t play well,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told Movistar Plus.

“We have to stay focused in the next games because we need to secure the first place to have a more favourable draw to the next stage.”

Real increased their attacks in the final 20 minutes, but their attempts continued to miss the mark.

Rudiger eventually equalised five minutes into stoppage time, capitalising on a nice pass from Kroos to deny Shakhtar a memorable triumph.

“Ancelotti approached me after the game and told me we deserved to win,” Shakhtar coach Igor Jovicevic told a news conference.

“He said we played well and have great chances to advance to the round of 16. He looked like he wished it for us.

“We are now sad because we lost two points, but (the team) showed the Ukrainian people that they can be proud of them. Tomorrow this point will have a great value.”