In Rome, Endrick turned a difficult Champions League night into a defining contribution for Real Madrid, earning UEFA’s player-of-the-match award after the Spanish side recovered from 3-1 down to beat Roma 4-3 on Wednesday.
The Brazilian forward came on during the second half of the second-round encounter and helped drive an extraordinary late comeback. He scored one goal and played a decisive part in another as Real overturned the two-goal deficit.
Endrick makes his mark in the air
The former Palmeiras attacker brought energy down the right flank, competing aggressively and repeatedly winning challenges. Yet it was his work in the air that changed the rhythm of the match.
Despite standing 1.73 metres tall, Endrick rose above the Roma defence in the 37th minute and forced goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini into a strong save. Espí reacted to the loose ball to bring Real closer.
Two minutes later, Endrick again found remarkable elevation, this time directing a header beyond Gollini to level the contest.
Arda Güler, whose deliveries had helped produce Real’s second and third goals, then supplied the final turning point. His inswinging corner in the 44th minute was met by Antonio Rüdiger, who finished with his right foot to complete the 4-3 victory.
Future remains open
After receiving UEFA’s individual award, Endrick did not offer certainty over his longer-term future at Real Madrid.
“I am Christian, so I put my daily life in God’s hands,” he said. “If I have to leave, I will leave; if I have to stay, I will stay. Without God, I could not have played as I did. As long as I am here, I will work for Real Madrid. We have to fight for this club.”
