Rodrygo hopes to continue to play a decisive role in the game

Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League round of 16 with goals from Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz. Real Madrid striker Rodrygo said that wearing the Real Madrid shirt is his biggest motivation and hopes to continue to play a decisive role in future games.

In the 4th minute, Valverde received a pass from his teammate and sent a through ball. Rodrigo followed up and broke into the penalty area and shot over the defense, helping Real Madrid to get a dream start with a score of 1 to 0. In the 32nd minute, Xavi Galan assisted Alvarez to score a long shot, helping Atletico Madrid to tie the score at 1 to 1.

In the 55th minute of the second half, Brahim Dias received a pass from Ferland Mendy, broke through the defense and shot low to score, giving Real Madrid the lead again with 2-1.

In the end, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 at home in this derby, laying the foundation for advancing to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Rodrigo, who was named the best player of the game, said, "I don't know how many times I have won the best player award. This is an individual award, but it is very important to me because it recognizes my efforts in the game. I am satisfied with my performance and that of the whole team. It was a very difficult game, but in the end we won."

“This result is very important and we knew we had to win at home, but it was a really difficult game. We struggled at times but the most important thing is that we won the game. Now we need to start thinking about the second leg.”

Talking about the assist contributed by Valverde, Rodrigo shared, "It was a great combination with Valverde. He knew my movement very well and passed the ball accurately, allowing me to attack behind the opponent. Then I cut inside and shot with my left foot. This action I practiced many times in training and finally worked."

In addition, Real Madrid will travel to challenge Atletico Madrid in the second leg next week. Rodrigo said, "It is always difficult to play in their home stadium, but with our strength, as long as we stay focused and play the right way, we can advance. Although we go to the away game with an advantage, the lead is not big, so we must stay focused."

"From the beginning of the game, the coach asked us to make more sacrifices. We knew our ability in attack, but we also needed to complete more difficult tasks in defense. Brahim Dias and I did a lot of defense on the wing."

Rodrigo also emphasized, "Wearing this jersey is my biggest motivation. I have always been eager to play for this club. I am in very good shape during this period and I hope to continue to maintain it. We are about to usher in the most critical moment of the season, and I hope to play a decisive role in the game."