Real Madrid forward Carlos Espí has revealed the instructions manager José Mourinho gave him before he came on as a substitute in the club’s 4-3 Champions League comeback victory over Roma.
The 21-year-old Spaniard scored in the 83rd minute after coming on, helping Real Madrid launch a remarkable late comeback after trailing 3-1. Endrick equalised two minutes later before Antonio Rüdiger scored the winner in the closing stages.
Espí, who joined Real Madrid from Levante in the summer, described the dramatic finish as “absolute chaos” and praised his teammates for continuing to fight despite the deficit.
He said: “It has been absolute chaos. We maintained our commitment to fight until the end, and that proved essential. We performed cohesively for the victory, and I am extremely satisfied.
“We were determined to secure the match and persist despite adversity. I believe that was the determining factor. As time progressed, we recognised we were within reach, and ultimately we accomplished it.”
Espí also disclosed that Mourinho instructed him to give his maximum effort and contribute to the team in every possible way when he entered the match.
He said: “To enter the field and demonstrate my maximum effort, recognising that fifteen minutes remained.
“To demonstrate my maximum capability, support the team in every conceivable way, and consistently maintain complete intensity.”
UCL: What Mourinho told me before my winning goal against Roma – Espi