Endrick was the difference for Real Madrid. Endrick was the difference for Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti dished out high praise to Endrick after the teenager's winner for Real Madrid on Wednesday. (More Sports News)365jdb
Endrick netted the only goal as Madrid beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in San Sebastian to take the lead in their two-legged Copa del Rey semi-final tie.
The Brazil international, who arrived at Madrid with big expectations, has been unable to cement his place in Los Blancos' starting XI this season.
Endrick has made only four starts in all competitions, though the 18-year-old's brilliant finish against La Real, and performance overall, left Ancelotti hugely impressed.
"He is spectacular," Ancelotti told reporters of Endrick, who is now on six goals for the season.
The Serb triumphed at Flushing Meadows last year, winning his 24th major title, but one year on, is still waiting for the win that would take him clear of Margaret Court as the outright record holder.
After winning the tournament in 2022, the Spaniard had lost the semifinal to Daniil Medvedev last year at the Flushing Meadows. This time though, Alcaraz enters US Open as one of the favourites to lift the title.
"He has these amazing characteristics he has shown whenever he has a chance. His accuracy is off the charts, he's quick and he still has a lot to improve with the ball.
"But, wow, his dribbling, his runs,66jogo Melhores Slots no Brasil the shot he has, he could even score a second goal easily with that great strike off the post.
"He is just spectacular. Very young, but a very fast learner."
6 - Most goals by LaLiga players currently aged under 20 this season in all competitions:Lamine Yamal - 11Vitor Roque - 7ENDRICK FELIPE - 6Future. pic.twitter.com/IsRulyvTrA
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 26, 2025Ancelotti made plenty of changes to his team, though Madrid still fielded a starting XI featuring Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger.
One of those changes, goalkeeper Andrii Lunin, was vital to keeping La Real at bay.
The Ukrainian made six saves, preventing 1.3 goals according to expected goals on target (xGoT) data.
"We are living a good moment. We rotated, but we remained solid, we were compact and played a very good game defensively," Ancelotti added.
"With solidarity. We did really well, despite the rotations.
"We should be satisfied. It was an intense match, against an opponent who gave their all and we took a good result for the return leg."
Madrid host La Real in the second leg at the start of April. They will look to keep up their hopes of a domestic treble by overcoming city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in the meantime.365jdb