Rodrygo to AS: “My first goal against Manchester City changed everything”
In an interview with AS, Brazilian forward Rodrygo discussed the incredible atmosphere at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium on big Champions League nights.
Rodrygo Goes has scored more goals in the Champions League than in any other competition. The young Brazilian scored his ninth and tenth goals in Real Madrid’s dramatic late win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Wednesday night.
As soon as the match was over, the 21-year-old tied a Brazil flag around himself and posed happily with delighted Los Blancos fans at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“These fans are incredible. After the nights against PSG, Chelsea and City, the younger ones [in the squad] have realised why the Bernabéu is such a legendary place on European nights,” he told AS just hours after the most important game of his football career to date.
After the match, Rodrygo went to the De María restaurant with those closest to him, and he could hardly have a bite to eat with all the requests for photos and autographs. “Let’s be honest. In the 89th minute we didn’t believe a third miracle was possible and in our heads, we thought we were almost out, but then came my goal and that changed everything”.
The Santiago Bernabéu
RodryGOL, as his team-mate and fellow Brazilian Marcelo christened him in a tweet he posted, while saying good morning to him, is living out his dream. When he joined Real Madrid at the age of 18, he dreamed of the fans applauding him at the Bernabéu: “When I scored my first goal, the Bernabéu carried us through. Before that goal, I would never have thought that I could be the hero in this game, but after the equaliser everything went very quickly and it was special”.
Champions League goals
“I know that my goal against Chelsea and the two against City have helped us reach the final in Paris, but I wouldn’t have achieved it if it wasn’t for the collective work of the whole team. If we win the 14th [Champions League title], it will be because of the work of everyone involved. We are very united,” he continued.
The expressions of affection and support for the young Brazilian forward continue to come through. Santos, his lifelong club before coming to Madrid, proudly uploaded a photo of him alongside the legendary Pelé, both wearing the Brazil shirt. Real Madrid were also full of praise and pride on their social media channels and posted several images of Rodrygo. The Brazilian responded with an image of himself after the match and the fans’ favourite chant: “How can I not love you!”
Rodrygo comes off the bench to silence critics
Rodrygo has won over the few fans who were still doubting him a month ago with his dazzling displays off the bench, both in Europe and domestically. Carlo Ancelotti has mostly used him as a substitute, but impressive performances against Osasuna and Espanyol in LaLiga suggest he will earn more starts over the next fortnight. Madrid have the title wrapped up in Spain and now have one eye on this year’s Champions League final on 28 May, where Rodrygo is certain to feature.