Real Madrid looked shaky once again in the Champions League, but a late goal from Rodrygo ensured Los Blancos took all three points against Inter Milan.
Real Madrid has managed to score plenty of goals in their first three Champions League matches this season – they now have seven – but the defense has not been as resolute as they were just a few months ago.
The defending La Liga champs have also allowed seven goals and again allowed two to Inter Milan on matchday three.
Real Madrid jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos, but Inter rallied to tie the match midway through the second half. Substitute Rodrygo Goes managed to find the winner in the 80th minute finishing off a great attacking move.
Here are the three takeaways from this pivotal win.
Brazilian brilliance off the bench
Manager Zinedine Zidane used two of his young forwards off the bench to provide a spark in this must-win match.
In the 64th minute, Zidane pulled Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio and went to his young Brazilian forwards – Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo – to provide some extra energy and creativity. They did exactly that as Vinicius set up his good friend, Rodrygo, for a stunning game-winner.
Rodrygo has five goals and three assists across eight Champions League appearances for Real Madrid 🌟
— GOAL (@goal) November 4, 2020
He's still just 19 😯 pic.twitter.com/MOWmZaTeK5
Asensio was not offering enough down the right and Hazard looked off after taking a hard tackle from Marcelo Brozovic near the hour mark. Vinicius might not have intended to pass the ball to Rodrygo, but it was a quality chance and he was composed playing the ball centrally.
Rodrygo’s offensive output in these eight Champions League matches is simply stunning. He is averaging a goal every 51 minutes and continues breaking records despite not regularly starting.
Could he be a better option than Asensio down that right side? Perhaps Zidane tries it out for a match or two.