Watch: Antonio Rudiger nearly scores sensational solo goal for Chelsea

Antonio Rudiger nearly channelled his inner Lionel Messi during Chelsea‘s Champions League opener against Zenit St Petersburg.

Despite being an uncompromising centre-back, Rudiger has great technical ability and is renowned for bringing the ball out from the back.

The Germany international delighted the fans at Stamford Bridge with mazy dribbles against Leicester City and Manchester United last season, and he was at it again against Zenit.

With the scores level at 0-0 in the 49th minute, the 28-year-old received the ball just outside his own penalty area before driving forward.

Rudiger then showed some impressive footwork to skip past a defender outside the Zenit penalty area, but he couldn’t get his shot on target. Although, his strike wasn’t as wild as his effort against Aston Villa on Saturday. 

Chelsea eventually got the decisive goal in the 69th minute when Romelu Lukaku headed in at the far post from Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross.

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