Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Rodriguez had a debut to remember, as the Los Blancos defeated Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night.
Federico Valverde scored a 78th minute goal to put Madrid in front late in the game.
Youngster Alvaro Rodriguez, who was making his debut made an instant impact after replacing Rodrygo in the 88th minute.
His first involvement was an assist for Vinicius Junior to score a second goal for Madrid, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.
Rodriguez would then assist Marco Asensio almost immediately for Madrid’s second goal.
Speaking after the game, the academy said: “I’m thrilled to be getting minutes under my belt for my beloved team.”
He also said: “It’s a great group, they’ve made me feel very welcome. I’m getting on with everyone so well and I’m really grateful for their support. Camavinga came over and gave me a couple of playful digs in the stomach. Valverde told me he was happy for me too, everyone’s congratulated me.
“I notice the humility they have despite being in such a big club, all the work they do every day and the competitiveness they have.”
Rodriguez was also glad his parents were at the stadium to share his moments with him.
He added: “I’m immensely happy that my parents are here. They are the most important thing in my life and sharing moments like this with them brings me great happiness.”
Speaking after the game, Ancelotti was full of praise for Rodriguez, and revealed whether the academy product was ready to join the senior team.
“Alvaro Rodriguez is a player with a lot of qualities. He is tall, controls the ball well, he’s great in the air… He can help us a lot, as he did today,” Carlo Ancelotti said after the game against Osasuna.
“It’s not easy to get into Real Madrid’s team being this young. He made the difference in 10 minutes today.
“Promote him to the first team? We have to talk to Raul (Real Madrid Castilla’s coach). He will help us a lot in the future.”
