Rüdiger went straight to Nico Williams after the match and told him in the tunnel: “You guys…”

The conversation between Antonio Rüdiger and Nico Williams before entering the San Mamés dressing rooms.

Antonio Rüdiger and Nico Williams provided one of the standout moments at the end of the match, chatting in the tunnel after Real Madrid’s win at San Mamés. Madrid comfortably defeated Athletic Club, and the Spanish international and the German defender exchanged impressions about what had happened on the pitch after the final whistle.

Following the victory, the German centre-back and Nico Williams held a friendly conversation in the tunnel. There was great chemistry between them, with jokes and laughter, and the younger Williams brother did not hesitate to acknowledge Madrid’s clear superiority in the match: “You beat us fair and square, you were much better,” he admitted. Words that Rüdiger appreciated. The German was one of the standout players in Madrid’s win.

It was his second consecutive start since returning from injury, and Rüdiger has shown he is in top form, despite suffering some cramps at the end. The Madrid defender gives everything in every match, and that inevitably takes a toll. But he is making it clear to the club that they can rely on him and that a one-year contract extension shouldn’t be ruled out.

Nico Williams, meanwhile, did not have a great game and was outplayed by Alexander-Arnold throughout the 90 minutes. Madrid’s defence shut him down completely and prevented him from getting involved. And on the few occasions he did get on the ball, he lacked precision. A tough night for the young winger, who leaves such a special match without being able to stand out.

Nico Williams gets along well with Real Madrid’s players
Beyond his chat with Rüdiger, Nico Williams has shown that he has a very good relationship with many Real Madrid players. The Athletic winger does not hold any animosity toward Los Blancos like others might, even though he was close to signing for FC Barcelona. In fact, many voices claim he is actually a Madrid fan.

The Basque winger is especially fond of Kylian Mbappé, whom he was able to watch live at San Mamés delivering another brilliant performance: two goals that extend his lead in the Pichichi race and push him to the top of the European Golden Shoe rankings. Right now, Kylian is also the main candidate to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although that will depend on whether he wins titles with Real Madrid and France (let’s not forget there’s a World Cup next year).

Nico Williams was once highly rated at Real Madrid, but interest in him has faded over time, and he is not considered a realistic target for the future. He’s young and talented, but in Valdebebas they believe he wouldn’t really have a place in the current squad.