In Real Madrid’s 4-3 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League, forward Carlos Espí disclosed the instructions given to him by manager José Mourinho prior to his substitution.
After coming on in the 83rd minute, the 21-year-old Spaniard scored to assist Real Madrid stage an incredible late comeback from a 3-1 deficit. Two minutes later, Endrick levelled the score, and in the dying moments, Antonio Rüdiger scored the winning goal.
The exciting finish was characterised by “absolute chaos” according to Espí, who joined Real Madrid from Levante in the summer. He commended his teammates for persevering in the face of a deficit.
“It has been absolute chaos,” he declared. Remaining steadfast in our determination to fight until the very end was crucial. I am really happy with how we worked together to win.
We overcame obstacles and won the match because of our unwavering determination. That, I think, was the decisive element. We knew we were close, and we were able to pull it off in the end.
Meanwhile, Espí revealed that upon entering the match, Mourinho told him to give it his all and help the club in any way he could.