Rodrygo makes Real difference
AS Real Madrid secured their 20th Copa del Rey title, Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on Brazilian winger Rodrygo’s impressive brace which allowed them to lift the trophy after beating Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday.
Ancelotti defined Rodrygo as an elegant player who makes unpredictable movements, which allows him to score goals.
Ancelotti believes that his potential is limitless.
“Nobody knows just how far he can go,” he said after the match.
“He’s a very elegant player, who’s movement is amazing and he scores goals. He’s progressing spectacularly.
“We played really well for the first half an hour. Vini jnr was unstoppable.
“Then I don’t know what happened and I calmed him down a bit. This team needs to do one thing, and one thing only: play good football.
“Anything else is a loss of control and concentration. We didn’t start the second half well, we struggled a bit and they levelled, but fortunately, Rodrygo changed the course of the game.”
After their monumental victory, Carlo Ancelotti reflected on their mindset as they head towards a crucial tie against Manchester City in the first leg of the Uefa Champions League semi-finals tomorrow.
“All I can do is thank this squad, this club and these fans. (Saturday) we achieved something hugely significant, winning every possible trophy in two years.
“Now we’re preparing for a big game on Tuesday and we’re heading into it with morale sky high, we’re happy and excited. I’m delighted right now but I’m very tired.
“(Monday) we’ll realise all we’ve achieved over these two seasons.”
At the age of 22, Rodrygo has already produced some memorable moments for Real Madrid including scoring against the Sky Blues during last season’s semi-final. He could once again turn out to be the player who can turn the tide in favour of the Los Blancos.
Real host City on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu, while in the other semi-final, AC Milan host fierce rivals Inter Milan in an allItalian affair on Wednesday.