Rodrygo, superb goal and MVP of the game: “We have to make the most of this lead”
"The games at the Metropolitano are always tough, but if we're focused and do things right, we can go through," said the scorer of Real Madrid’s first goal.
Rodrygo was named MVP of the match between Real Madrid and Atlético at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the fourth minute after a brilliant piece of skill and a beautiful finish, and he expressed his delight with the win: “I don't know how many I have now. It's an individual award, but it's very important because it rewards you for all the effort you put into the game. I'm pleased with my performance and with the team's performance. It was very difficult, but we managed to win.”
“The result is very important. We knew we had to win at home, but the match was very difficult. We struggled at times, but the most important thing is that we won. Now we have to think about the return leg."
On his superb goal
“It was a very good move with Valverde. He understood my movement very well, attacking behind the back, then I dribbled inside and finished with my left foot. I do that a lot in training and it worked well today.”
Playing against Atlético
“It's always difficult. They caught us a little bit by surprise today. Normally, we attack all the time and they defend and today they had a bit more of the ball. We had to defend, but then we attacked well until Brahim's goal. Now we have to make the most of this lead.”
Watch all the videos from the match on RM Play
On the return leg
“The games at their stadium are always tough, but with the quality we have, if we're focused and do things right, we can go through. It's important to have an advantage, but we know it's minimal and we have to be very focused.”
Defensive work
"From the start, the coach asked us to show a lot of sacrifice. We know the qualities we have in attack, but we have to do a more difficult job in defence. Brahim and I have had to work a lot defensively today on the wings.”
On his fine form
"Wearing this shirt is what motivates me. I always dreamed of playing for this club. It's been a very good period for me and I hope it continues like this. Now we have one of the most important moments of the season and I want to be decisive."
Welcome from the fans
"It was unbelievable. Well done to our fans because it was a special moment and that motivates us a lot to go into the game and give everything to try to win."