Endrick sparks Real Madrid comeback after replacing Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat Roma 4-3 in Matchday 2 of the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, driven by a second-half tactical adjustment. Manager Jose Mourinho withdrew Vinicius Junior in the 58th minute, introducing 20-year-old forward Endrick to revitalize the attack.

Endrick’s arrival proved decisive, as the substitute spearheaded the comeback and earned Man of the Match honors despite playing only 32 minutes. The result marks a turnaround for the club, which had struggled to find momentum during the opening hour at the Stadio Olimpico.

Vinicius Junior, who has faced a challenging period since missing the 2024 Ballon d’Or, addressed his early exit following the match. "It was normal to be unhappy with the change. I want to play all minutes and help the team, but it’s not possible," he said. "Endrick came on and changed the match. He was the best player in the 2nd half."

The winger remains focused on regaining his peak form, acknowledging the team-oriented nature of the sport despite his personal frustrations. Mourinho’s decision to rotate the squad highlights the ongoing competition for attacking roles as the club navigates a difficult stretch of the season.

Source: Post-match comments, Real Madrid, Oct. 2026