Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes appeared in a press statement after the 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodrygo said: "I don't know how many goals I have scored so far. It’s an individual honor to receive the Man of the Match award, but it’s very important because it rewards you for all the effort you put into the game. I am happy with my performance and the team's performance. It was very difficult, but in the end, we won."

He added: "The result is very important. We knew we had to win at home, but the match was extremely tough. We suffered at times, but the most important thing is that we won. Now let's think about the return leg.

Regarding his goal: "It was a beautiful moment with Valverde. He understood my movement well, then I dribbled inside and shot with my left foot; I do that a lot in training, and it worked for me today."

He continued: "Playing against Atletico Madrid is always difficult. They surprised us a little today. We usually attack all the time, and they defend, but today they had a bit more possession. We had to defend, but then we attacked well until Ibrahim's goal came. Now we have to take advantage of this lead.

About the return match: "Matches at this stadium are always very tough, but with the quality we have, if we focus and do things well, we can qualify. It’s important to have an advantage, but we know it’s slight, and we have to be extremely focused."

On defensive commitment: "The coach has asked us to make a lot of sacrifices from the start. We know the quality we have in attack, but we have to do more complicated work in defense. Ibrahim and I had to work hard defensively on the wings today."

He emphasized: "Wearing this jersey is what motivates me. I have always dreamed of playing for this club. It has been a very good period for me, and I hope it continues this way. Now comes one of the most important moments of the season, and I want to be decisive."

Regarding the fans' reception of the team, he concluded: "It was amazing. I congratulate our fans because it was a special moment, and this motivates us a lot to go into the match and give our best effort to try to win."