Endrick delivered a statement performance for Real Madrid after coming off the bench to inspire a remarkable comeback against Roma in the Champions League, earning the man-of-the-match award and reinforcing his determination to fight for his place in the team.
The Brazilian forward entered the contest in the 59th minute and immediately injected energy into Madrid’s attack. Operating down the right flank, he troubled Roma’s defence, contributed to C. Espí’s goal that made it 3-2 and later scored the equaliser as the Spanish giants turned a 3-1 deficit into a dramatic 4-3 victory.
His impact earned him the MVP award, with the young attacker insisting that his priority remains helping the team rather than worrying about his individual standing.
“I’m still buzzing from the game. I was on the bench talking to God. When I looked to the side, Nuno was calling me. I went over and kept talking to God because I didn’t think I was going to come on so early. I came on and got to do what I love most, which is playing football. That’s where I want to be, on the pitch playing and helping my team. I feel like I can help everyone, not just the team, but the manager too. And most importantly, I want Madrid to win. Madrid has to win, and that’s what I’m going to do my whole life in Madrid. And when I’m not doing that, I’ll be the first to leave. Being at Madrid is tough; you have to fight every day, and I’m going to do that my whole career.”
Endrick also reflected on the challenge of overturning the deficit, acknowledging how difficult the situation became as Roma threatened to extend their advantage.
“The truth is, it’s difficult. I was talking to Mourinho, and when we looked up, Malen had scored another goal. At first, he was offside, but then he wasn’t, and that makes the game a bit more complicated. But we’re Real Madrid, and we were going to fight for the whole match, whatever the score was. And after what we did, going from 3-1 to 4-3, we just had to keep fighting. We still have the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, La Liga, the Super Cup … We want to win every competition.”
Despite his decisive contribution, the forward understands that earning a regular starting place at the Santiago Bernabéu will depend on the manager’s decisions. He made it clear, however, that he intends to keep working regardless of his role.
“I don’t know, because coaches aren’t going to do what’s best for a player, they’re going to do what’s best for the team. And if I’m going to play, I’m sure he’ll put me in; and if I’m not going to play, he won’t. I’m going to be fighting and working every day to help the team, however I can: in training, fighting and battling to help them. This is what I’m going to do my whole career.”
Endrick also voiced strong support for Vinícius Júnior following news of the winger’s four-match suspension. The Brazilian expressed frustration with the punishment but backed his teammate to respond positively when he returns.
“I just found out. We knew it had to be two matches for a straight red card. But you and I, deep down, knew it wasn’t going to be two. Because what they’re doing to Vini Jr. is unbelievable, it’s crazy, and it’s going to stay that way. There’s no way to change it. Instead of two matches, they’ve given him four, but we knew it was going to be like this. They’re going to come after Vini Jr., but he’s a strong guy, he’s always working, fighting against everything. He’s going to keep doing that, and I think he’s going to be strong. When he comes back, he’s going to come back in great shape.”
The performance against Roma offers Endrick a timely opportunity to strengthen his case for more minutes as Real Madrid pursue silverware across multiple competitions. His late introduction changed the rhythm of the contest, while his equaliser underlined his ability to influence high-pressure matches.
For Endrick, however, the message was clear: he is prepared to keep fighting, work every day and contribute whenever Real Madrid call on him.
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