Real Madrid produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat AS Roma 4-3 in the Champions League, scoring three times in the final 10 minutes after falling 3-1 behind.
Carlos Espi, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger completed the turnaround, leaving the visitors celebrating a dramatic victory on matchday two.
For young forward Carlos Espi, the result was particularly memorable.
The substitute made his opportunity count with a crucial goal, while captain Federico Valverde praised the determination shown by Madrid’s replacements and explained how the team eventually found a way back into the contest.
Carlos Espi makes his opportunity count for Real Madrid
Espi was delighted to contribute after coming off the bench, making it clear that his priority is to take advantage of every opportunity Jose Mourinho gives him.
“I’ve come here to make the most of my playing time; I had the chance to come on and I made the most of it by scoring a goal,” he began saying.
The forward struggled to find words to describe the dramatic nature of the contest, with Madrid needing a late surge to overturn a two-goal deficit.
“Absolute madness. We went all out for the win together and I’m really happy. We were determined to win the match and not give up.
“That’s what it was all about. As the minutes ticked by, we could see it getting closer, and that’s exactly how it turned out,” he said.
Carlos Espi scored a crucial goal for Real Madrid. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Espi also revealed Mourinho’s instructions before he entered the game, explaining that the manager wanted him to bring energy and help Madrid find a way back.
“To go out there, to give my all – there were 10 or 15 minutes left – to help the team in any way I could and always give my absolute best.”
Valverde explains how Madrid turned the match around
Furthermore, Valverde admitted that Madrid had struggled to implement their plans during the first half.
However, the captain felt the team gradually began to apply their training-ground work once they found themselves trailing.
“The first half was evenly matched. Neither did they create many chances nor were we able to play the game as we’d planned. We’d worked on a lot of things but couldn’t put them into practice.
“Then, with a fighting spirit, whilst trailing, we started to do what we’d practised. Movement through the middle, creating more space, and finding one-on-one situations,” he said.
Despite the comeback, the midfielder acknowledged that Madrid had made life unnecessarily difficult for themselves.
“As a player, I’m proud that the team showed fighting spirit, but I think that if we’d done the job earlier, it would have been a less complicated match.
Valverde analysed Real Madrid’s performance in Rome. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
“We would have enjoyed it more. It became an uphill struggle for us because of our own mistakes,” he noted.
Valverde praises Endrick and Madrid’s substitutes
Valverde was particularly pleased with the contribution of the players who came off the bench, highlighting their determination and the collective mentality behind the comeback.
“I’d like to congratulate the substitutes; they came on with incredible determination, which shows that we’re all fully focused,” said the Real Madrid captain.
Endrick also earned special praise from the midfielder, having played an important role in the late turnaround and helped create Espi’s goal.
“I’m delighted for him. The manager had said a few days ago that he needed all the players, and that he was congratulating those who’d had fewer minutes on the pitch. Every player gives their all.”
Lastly, Valverde also addressed his own versatility after switching from midfield to full-back once again, stressing that contributing to the team matters more than his position.
“The important thing is to win, as the manager said; if things go well, we have to keep going. I’m happy to keep getting plenty of playing time.
“I enjoy playing for this club, and I had plenty of space to run in. I’m grateful that the manager continues to put his trust in me,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo