Real Madrid are just two games away from reaching the Champions League final. Rodrygo is fully aware of what lies in store for his side and spoke on Real Madrid TV about the team’s progress, the semi-final against Manchester City, his fine form in the competition and the vibrant atmosphere at the Bernabéu is the last two ties there. The young Brazilian has been one of the protagonists of the latest matches of Real Madrid and is gaining more and more confidence as the season is reaching its culmination.
He expressed himself as follows: “I remember the first game against PSG, when we lost there in the last minute. It was really tough and we were a bit disheartened, but after a while we became confident that we could bounce back. Then I remember the magical night at the Bernabéu. The fans were with us and we were losing at the start, but then we came back and it was one of the most beautiful moments I've ever experienced in football. It’s impossible for anyone to explain. It can only happen in football and only Real Madrid can do that”.
“I remember against Chelsea we were 0-3 down at the Bernabéu and the manager called me and Marcelo over. We were talking about how we had to do something to change the game so that it didn’t finish in that way. It was going to be tough, but I knew I would be able to help my team at some point. I came on and scored a goal after a few minutes and that gave us the confidence to get back into the game”, he added.
Real Madrid’s path in this year’s Champions League: “It’s been a difficult path, but we’re having a good season. We’ve gone through some tough moments, but we’ve managed to dig deep every time and come out winning many games. In the group stages, we started against Inter Milan and I scored at the San Siro. We were certain we’d finish top of the group because we were playing really well. That’s what happened and then we had a lot of tough games against PSG and Chelsea, and now too”.
On what it means to be in the Champions League semi-finals: “It shows we’ve been having a great season and we’re playing well. We’re hear to demonstrate how good we are and what a great season we’re having. And we have to keep on like this”.
On the semi-final against Manchester City: “They’ll be tough opponents. We know the way they play and how good they are. If they’ve made it to the Champions League semi-finals, it means they’re good, and it’s down to the way City like to play, with a lot of possession. We’re expecting a tough match and we have to make sure we keep playing like we have been and try to make it through”.
On playing in the Champions League: “It’s a really special competition and every player wants to play in it. I feel it’s a unique competition for me and I almost always score or set up a goal. It’s a very special competition and I hope I’ll be able to keep helping my team”.
The team’s unity: “It’s all down to the fact that we always fight for each other. If one player is having a tough time, he’s got another teammate who can lend a hand. If we stick together, we’re much stronger. We all understand and that’s why we’re having a great season. If we continue like this, I think we can win a lot of things”.
Benzema: “On the pitch he’s even better. People see how good he is from the outside, but those of us who play with him know he’s much better. He always advises me and talks to me about what I can do to help him or what he can do to help me. It’s a real pleasure to play with him”.
Ancelotti’s role as coach: “He’s a really important person for me and he helps me all the time. He talks to me and he’s aware of my quality, ability and speed. He tries to get the best out of me every day in every game and every training session so I can get better and better for the team”.
On making his 100th appearance for Real Madrid: “I can't explain how it feels to have played 100 games for Real Madrid. It's an honour for anyone to wear this shirt and it's what I dreamt of when I was a kid”.
Keep fighting until the end: "From playing for Real Madrid I learnt, from the players who were already here and from the fans, that you always have to fight to the end. Sometimes we’re losing matches and we’re a bit downcast, but we look at the shirt we’re wearing and we keep fighting until the end. That's how we've come back from behind in so many games. You always have to work hard, and then you'll get the reward”.
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