Endrick’s Redemption: A Copa del Rey Thriller
In the world of football, where every match is a new chapter in a player’s career, Real Madrid’s young forward, Endrick, has penned a particularly memorable one. On a chilly Thursday evening, the Santiago Bernabéu was the stage for a dramatic Copa del Rey clash against Celta Vigo. The match, which ended in a thrilling 5-2 victory for Real Madrid, was not just about the scoreline but about the stories behind the goals.
Endrick, who had been struggling to find the back of the net since September 17, finally broke his goal drought in spectacular fashion. The 18-year-old Brazilian, who had only played 83 league minutes this season, dedicated his two goals to his teammate, Antonio Rüdiger. “I keep working every day,” Endrick shared with Real Madrid TV. “My two goals are for Antonio Rüdiger. He knows what he does for me every day. He never praises me, and that’s a good thing! He tells me what to do, to score, to run, to keep fighting. Yesterday in training he gave me a tough game. I was thinking about it at home and he’s a great person. The goals are for him.”
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Real Madrid initially took a 2-0 lead, only to see Celta Vigo claw their way back to level the score in the 91st minute. But the drama didn’t end there. In extra time, Madrid surged ahead with three goals, two of which came from Endrick. His first goal was a stunning strike from the edge of the box, celebrated with the exuberance of a player who had been waiting for this moment. The second was a clever backheel inside the six-yard box, showcasing his quick thinking and skill.
Reflecting on his performance, Endrick said, “[The first] was a very important goal for me. This is my job. I have to do well for the team, scoring goals, doing whatever. Scoring a goal for Madrid, for these fans, the players, the staff, is really good. In the last Copa game I missed the chances I had. Today, I had two chances and scored.”
This victory was a much-needed boost for Real Madrid, especially after their 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. The win highlighted the depth and resilience of the squad, even with key players like Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde being rested by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Captain Lucas Vázquez praised the team’s performance, saying, “Endrick did well with the minutes he had. It shows the quality in this squad. We made changes, and the team did well, whoever plays delivers.”
However, not everything was rosy at the Bernabéu. There were whistles from sections of the crowd directed at some players, including midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni. Ancelotti addressed this, stating, “It’s a wake-up call from the fans for the players and the coach. It’s acceptable, with what happened in the game against Barcelona. The team reacted well, above all Tchouaméni, who had a great game.”
- Endrick’s dedication to Rüdiger highlights the importance of mentorship in sports.
- The match was a testament to Real Madrid’s depth and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
- Fan reactions at the Bernabéu serve as a reminder of the high expectations at the club.
As the dust settles on this Copa del Rey encounter, Endrick’s performance will be remembered not just for the goals but for the story of perseverance and camaraderie it represents. For Real Madrid, it’s another step in their journey, with the promise of more thrilling chapters to come.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland,Rodrigo Faez
