
(foto: Getty Images)
Endrick, the 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy, was the star of the night in Real Madrid’s thrilling 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey.
Scoring two crucial goals in extra time, Endrick secured his team’s place in the next round and proved his potential in a high-stakes encounter.
Real Madrid navigated a tense match at the Santiago Bernabeu, squandering a 2-0 lead before clinching victory in extra time. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior initially put Madrid ahead, but late goals from Jonathan Bamba and Marcos Alonso forced the game into extra time. It was then that Endrick stepped up, finding the back of the net in the 108th and 119th minutes, sealing the win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
After the match, Endrick dedicated his goals to teammate Antonio Rudiger, praising the German defender’s relentless mentorship during training sessions.
"I work hard every day, I put in a lot of effort. I dedicate my two goals to Antonio Rudiger—he knows why. He never praises me, which is good! But he tells me how to play, how to move, where to shoot, how to fight. In the last training session, he was relentless with me. I thought about it even after I got home. He’s a good person; these goals are for him," Endrick said.
The emotions of the moment overwhelmed Endrick, who tore off his shirt after scoring his first goal. The celebration symbolized the relief and validation he felt after enduring a challenging season. Despite his talent, Endrick has struggled for minutes under Ancelotti, having played just 83 minutes in La Liga this season. Speculation about a potential loan move in January has surrounded the young forward, but his performance against Celta might shift the narrative.
This standout performance could be the breakthrough moment for Endrick, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical situations. Real Madrid will look to build on this victory as they advance in the competition, and Endrick’s emergence as a game-changer provides a promising sign for the club’s future.