Endrick was still talking to God when Madrid called him.
Real Madrid were 3-1 down at the Stadio Olimpico, Donyell Malen had just doubled Roma’s lead, and the 19-year-old Brazilian had no expectation of coming on so early.
“I was on the bench talking to God and when I turn around they’re calling me and then I keep talking to God,” Endrick said. “I didn’t think I was going to come on that early. I am so, so happy.”
José Mourinho sent him on in the 59th minute for Vinícius Jr with Madrid drifting. Twenty-six minutes later, he changed the night.
Arda Güler swung in a corner in the 85th minute and Endrick rose unmarked at the near post to head the equaliser – his first Champions League goal of the season. It was the second of three Madrid goals in seven minutes, all from Güler corners, as Carlos Espí had pulled one back in the 83rd minute and Antonio Rüdiger volleyed the winner in the 90th to seal a 4-3 comeback.
It was a rare start of a sort for a player who has spent most of the season waiting. The goal was named Man of the Match, but Endrick talked more about the wait than the header.
“I love Real Madrid, I love being on the pitch, where I belong, where I feel happy, and I love to help the team,” he said.
“I want to be helping my team, the coach as well, and the most important thing is that Madrid wins. When I don’t do that I’ll be the first to leave. Being at Madrid is difficult and I’m going to fight for it every day.”
He admitted the moment was difficult. He had been sitting next to Mourinho, head down, when Roma made it 3-1.
“But we are Madrid,” he said. “We are going to fight every match, no matter what.”
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