Rodrygo scored twice for Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea and celebrated his first goal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature ‘siu’ celebration in honor of the club legend.
Rodrygo celebrated his goals in the same manner as Cristiano Ronaldo after helping Real Madrid end Chelsea’s Champions League dreams. He later explained that he did it as a way of preserving his own image, as well as for inspiration. The Brazilian striker’s brace secured a 2-0 win for Madrid at Stamford Bridge, sending Carlo Ancelotti’s team to the semi-finals.
Rodrygo, who has scored 15 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, celebrated his first goal against Chelsea with the iconic “siu” celebration. Despite starting only 19 of those games, the 22-year-old Brazilian forward has been prolific this season.
Rodrygo told Movistar: “First I thought about sliding on my knee, but I have inflammation, and then my idol, Cristiano, came to my mind, and I did it.”
He added: “I hope to continue like this, scoring more goals and giving assists and winning the Champions League more times.”
Will Rodrygo be Madrid’s hero in the semi-finals once again?!
Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final. Manchester City are currently leading 3-0 in their quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich, with the second leg set to take place on Wednesday.
If Manchester City go through, it will be a rematch of last season’s semi-final between Real Madrid and Manchester City, which saw Real Madrid come back from a 5-3 deficit to win in extra time.
Rodrygo was instrumental in Madrid’s comeback against Manchester City in last season’s semi-final. He scored two late goals, one in the 90th minute and another in stoppage time, to keep Madrid in the tie before Karim Benzema’s penalty ultimately secured their spot in the final.
A rematch would be an occasion to cherish, but Rodrygo said: “We don’t know if it’s against City. The Champions League is very difficult, we can no longer choose opponents and they are all difficult.”
