The two rising stars wrote the first chapter in what could just be the game’s next great rivalry at Santiago Bernabeu
Tuesday’s friendly was billed as Spain vs Brazil, a battle of international heavyweights gearing up for a big summer with a massive tune-up at Santiago Bernabeu. In reality, though, it really ended up being Lamine Yamal vs Endrick, a battle between two teenagers that look set to define this sport for the decade to come.
The match ended level at 3-3, a back-and-forth game with three penalties awarded by the referee. The game was defined, though, by the two young stars, both of whom had their hands all over their teams’ brightest moments.
Yamal dazzled throughout, embarrassing Brazil’s defenders from the opening whistle.
He drew one penalty, converted by Rodri, before setting up another late on, with his incredible pass in the game’s final moments leaving Lucas Beraldo with no choice but to concede another spot-kick. Overall, the 16-year-old was a menace throughout, and showed exactly why Barcelona and Spain are so high on one of the youngest breakthrough stars we’ve ever seen.
Not to be outdone, though, was Endrick. The Brazilian starlet came on at half-time, and it took just a few minutes for him to make his mark in his future home. He’ll join Real Madrid soon, but he already has a signature moment at the Bernabeu thanks to his fantastic volleyed finish to open the second period. His time is coming and, if this was any evidence, there’s not much many will be able to do to stop him.
This won’t be the last battle between Yamal and Endrick, but both stole the show in this one and they’ll probably continue to do so for years to come as their future rivalry may just be the next to transcend the sport.
GOAL rates Brazil’s players from Santiago Bernabeu…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Bento Krepski (6/10):
Brought in to replace the absent Alisson and Ederson. Not much he could have done on any of the goals.
Danilo (5/10):
Was terrorized by Nico Williams throughout the first half before being taken out at halftime.
Fabricio Bruno (6/10):
Probably the better of Brazil’s two central defenders. His passing could have been a bit crisper but, overall, he was okay.
Beraldo (4/10):
Got put in a spin cycle by Olmo for Spain’s second goal and conceded the penalty that led to Spain’s final goal. A rough night, to say the least.
Wendell (5/10):
Got cooked time and time again by Yamal, who will be in the defender’s nightmares after a rough first-half performance. He got better as the game went on, though, to his credit.
Midfield
Lucas Paqueta (6/10):
Didn’t really do much of anything for most of the game. Surprisingly quiet from a usually influential player, but did score the pressure penalty late on to salvage a draw
Bruno Guimares (6/10):
Battled well and was accurate with his passes when he did get the ball. Was taken off at halftime, though.
Joao Gomes (4/10):
Conceded the first Spain penalty, although he was a bit unlucky there. Aside from that, though, had just 12 touches before being yanked at halftime.
Attack
Raphinha (5/10):
Never really got going throughout his 45 minutes on the field. Struggled really get into a dangerous positions.
Rodrygo (7/10):
Was a bit lucky that Simon essentially handed him a goal but, hey, he’ll take it. You have to be there to benefit from that luck, and Rodrygo was there to take full advantage for a goal that did tip the momentum a bunch.
Vinicius Jr. (6/10):
It’s been an emotional week for the Real Madrid star, who has been open and honest about his battles with racism in Spain.
Thankfully, there were no incidents or unsavory moments, so the focus could solely be on his performance. On that front, he was relatively quiet throughout his 71 minutes on the field as he struggled to show off the skill that usually makes him so dominant in this stadium.
Subs & Manager
Andre (6/10):
A steady shift from the Fluminense midfielder, who provided stability in the middle of the park.
Andreas Pereira (6/10):
Was tidy on the ball throughout, completing all but one of his passes.
Endrick (8/10):
What more can you say about this kid? Came on and immediately made his mark with a goal. If this was a sign of things to come, La Liga is in trouble.
Yan Couto (6/10):
Mercifully replaced Danilo in the second half and fared much better.
Douglas Luiz (6/10):
Did well when he got the ball during his 20 minutes or so.
Galeno (7/A):
Came on late for Rodrygo and drew the late penalty to seal the draw.
Dorival Junior(6/10):
Won’t be too fused with the result. Got a closer look at several Copa America contenders,most notably Endrick, who is making one heck of a case for a starting spot.