Real Madrid complete Roma comeback as Endrick and Valverde praise team spirit

Endrick and Federico Valverde praised Real Madrid’s fighting spirit after its remarkable Champions League comeback against Roma, completed in a 4-3 win. Both players also acknowledged that the team must avoid putting itself in such a difficult position. Madrid were 3-1 behind when Endrick came on. The Brazilian headed the equaliser before Antonio Rüdiger completed the turnaround.

Carlos Espí had already brought Madrid closer, converting a corner from Güler to make it 3-2. Endrick was later named player of the match, but said the victory mattered more to him than individual recognition. Valverde, who again filled in at right-back, was pleased with Madrid’s response while feeling the team had made its task harder than necessary.

Endrick described the emotions of the game: “I still have the emotion of the match. It is a little difficult to explain. I was on the bench talking to God, and when I turned around they were calling me. I carried on talking to God; I did not think I was going to come on so early.” He also made his priority clear: “I want to help my team and the manager. The most important thing is that Madrid win. When I cannot do that, I will be the first to leave. Being at Madrid is difficult, and I am going to fight for it every day.”

Valverde acknowledged that Madrid had not carried out its plan in the first half, failing to put into practice what the team had worked on. After falling behind, they looked for more movement through the middle, pushed forward and sought one-on-one situations. The Uruguay international said the response was encouraging, but warned that Madrid needed to approach matches better from the outset.

The midfielder said he was proud of the team’s fighting spirit, while regretting the mistakes that had made the game more complicated. He also praised the players who came on. Valverde further highlighted Endrick’s impact and the importance of the squad as a whole: the manager had said he needed everyone, including those who play fewer minutes.