MY ACCOUNT
Rodrygo declared Real Madrid’s start to the new campaign “couldn’t have been any better” after helping Los Blancos preserve their 100 per cent winning record in LaLiga.
The Brazil winger contributed a goal and an assist as Madrid rallied to beat Mallorca 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, completing a comeback that began with Federico Valverde’s extraordinary solo goal.
With five wins from as many matches in LaLiga, Madrid are the only team with a 100 per cent record in the big five European leagues this season.
This is only the second season this century in which Madrid have started with five league wins (also 2009-10).
Speaking to the club’s website after Sunday’s win, Rodrygo said: “Our start couldn’t have been any better.
“This is the fruit of our efforts. We have two tough games coming up now, we have to keep working and doing the right things because we have everything in place to enjoy a fantastic season.”
Rodrygo’s assist teed up Vinicius Junior to score in his fourth consecutive league appearance at the start of the season, and the former is enjoying linking up with his compatriot.
“Vini and I have a great understanding. We had to get a bit closer to each other,” Rodrygo added.
“[Luka] Modric was threading balls between the lines, which is where the coach asked me to be for most of the game. I found space there, linked up with Vini, and the goal came. We just had to move closer.
“The gaffer asked me to attack the space, get in behind the defence. That was the only space you could find because they were very compact and it was so tough to link up on the inside.
“We managed a few times, but it wasn’t easy. Then eventually the goals came.”
Tenacious midfielder Valverde was the catalyst for Madrid’s comeback, driving forward from his own half before drilling a fabulous effort into the top-left corner to get the hosts on level terms.
However, rather than any individual plaudits, Valverde’s main concern was picking up the three points.
“I’m delighted to have got the win. The goal was beautiful, but the important thing was to win. We’ve got that pride and daring to go after the game even if we’re behind,” Valverde said.
“I started running, I saw the red shirts and I tried to get round them so I could keep going. When I saw they were showing me inside, I took advantage of that and shot with my left. It was a team goal.
“I tried my luck often last season with my right and I would always hit the post or see it go just wide.
“Now they’re going in, and I’m really enjoying this spell. I try to make the most of my qualities, running with the ball is one of those.
“When things come off, it’s great. After the team has worked so hard, these things bring you real joy.”
Madrid have claimed six points from losing positions in LaLiga already this season. Only Southampton and Milan (both seven) have picked up more across Europe’s top five leagues this campaign.
