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6 months ago
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Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has revealed why he imitated Cristiano Ronaldo's goal celebration when he scored for Los Blancos in their thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
The Brazilian was one of six scorers on a pulsating night of action in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
Pep Guardiola's side had taken an early lead but the home side hit back with a Ruben Dias own goal before Rodrygo gave them the go ahead goal at the Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old recreated Ronaldo's iconic Siu celebration, when his deflected effort evaded Stefan Ortega, and after the game he opened up on how the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been his inspiration.
'I always watch Cristiano's clips. Sometimes I watch them before matches as well to give me inspiration.' He told TNT Sports BR. 'He is the person who came to mind when I scored, so I celebrated in his way.
Rodrygo scored after 14 minutes to give Real Madrid a 2-1 advantage in a pulsating game at the Bernabeu
The Brazilian paid tribute to his inspiration Cristiano Ronaldo by copying his iconic Siu celebration
'Always when I start to remember my childhood, when I used to watch him play in Champions League matches, and watch the fans screaming his name, that's what comes to my mind.
'As I always say, he's my idol, he's my hero, so it's always good to celebrate in his way to appreciate him.'
Rodrygo's strike - his 16th of the campaign - gave Carlo Ancelotti's men an advantage going into the break but that quickly reversed after a couple of wonderstrikes from the defending champions.
First, Phil Foden thumped a stunning effort into the top corner before Joskvo Gvardiol opened his account for the Cityzens with an equally exquisite finish from range.
However, arguably the most impressive of all was Madrid's equaliser, which came in the 79th minute after some neat interplay from Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr.
Phil Foden pinged an effort into the top corner to restore parity in the 66th minute of the match
Federico Valverde responded after City had taken the lead with arguably the best goa of the night
The winger whipped a left-footed cross to the edge of the area, where Federico Valverde stood to volley into the bottom corner.
Honours even in the Spanish capital sets up a mouthwatering second-leg at the Etihad on April 17. Beforehand, Madrid travel to Mallorca, while City welcome Luton on Saturday afternoon.
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