Real Madrid defender Rudiger celebrates Champions League victory with Muslim takbir

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger on Wednesday celebrated his team's UEFA Champions League quarterfinal victory with the takbir, Muslims’ traditional declaration of the greatness of Allah.

The German player scored the winning penalty against English Premier League side Manchester City in the quarterfinal second leg, which was tied with 4-4 aggregate, taking it to extra time and then a penalty shootout.

After reaching the semifinals, Rudiger celebrated the victory with his teammates and then looked at the camera and said "Allahu akbar" or “God is greater,” as it has been translated.

This moment was posted and shared by many global media websites and social media accounts.

Jude Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez and Nacho, along with Rudiger, converted their penalty kicks for Real Madrid, but Luka Modric was unsuccessful.

For Manchester City, Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and Ederson scored their penalties while Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed theirs.

Man City’s defeat by Real Madrid set up a semifinal clash against German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, which eliminated English team Arsenal with 3-2 aggregate.