Starting Point for More? Brace-Winner Endrick Thanks Mentor Rüdiger

At the start of the year, the Copa del Rey schedule comes thick and fast. Real Madrid had comfortably defeated fourth-tier side CD Minera in the Round of 32 just a week and a half earlier. On Thursday night, they hosted Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabéu for the Round of 16. Once again, Endrick was not part of the starting lineup.

The 18-year-old Brazilian had his first starting opportunity in over three months during the 5-0 rout of CD Minera but failed to make an impression as a central striker, leaving the match without a goal. His over-eager and impatient performance cost him.

A Second Chance in Extra Time

It was no surprise, then, that the dynamic left-footer started Thursday’s match on the bench. He was only subbed in during the 79th minute, with Real Madrid leading 2-0. While that might sound like a tough situation, it worked to his advantage as Real squandered their lead, allowing the game to go into extra time.

Extra time meant 30 more minutes for Endrick, who replaced Kylian Mbappé and had another chance to play as the central striker. This time, the young talent avoided rushed, reckless moves and emerged as the match-winner with a brilliant brace. His third and fourth goals for Real Madrid were a sight to behold: one was a long-range spin-and-shoot effort that found the corner, while the other was a cheeky backheel finish from close range after a corner.

Praise Follows the Brace

"I don’t know what to say," a relieved Endrick admitted post-match. However, he didn’t forget to mention Antonio Rüdiger. "These two goals are for him, for everything he does with me every day. He tells me what I need to do. He never praises me, and that’s good for me."

The young striker also revealed he had faced a tough training session with Rüdiger the day before the game. Yet, Rüdiger did eventually offer praise: "Hard work pays off. You deserve this, little brother," the German defender wrote on Instagram, sharing a picture of himself and Endrick after the 5-2 extra-time win.

What’s Next for Endrick?

Whether this standout performance off the bench will secure Endrick a starting spot soon remains to be seen. It might take another three months of hard work before the teenager gets his next chance in the starting XI.

Valverde’s Rocket and Endrick’s Flair: Real Madrid’s Magic Goals Against Celta Vigo

Endrick shone alongside his teammates in an impressive display of creativity and skill, ensuring Real Madrid’s progression in the Copa del Rey.