Champions League: Real Madrid's Rodrygo on his way to stardom

Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes and Alphonse Areola - these were the arrivals for Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. While Real Madrid did not succeed in landing Zidane's reported prime target Paul Pogba, on paper it seems to have been a very productive transfer window for Los Blancos. Eden Hazard's reported €100 million move was seen as a way of announcing to the world that despite a blip in the Champions League last season, Real Madrid would return stronger this season. 

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However, despite Real Madrid flattering to deceive this season, there has been a silver lining for Zinedine Zidane. Rodrygo, the 18-year old Brazilian winger, officially signed for Real Madrid last year, but joined the Los Blancos in the 2019 summer window. Rodrygo's reported €45 million move from Santos may have gone under the radar amid the big-money arrivals of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy and Eder Militao, but the former Santos man showed just why Los Blancos shelled out such a substantial sum to acquire the young Brazilian, during their 6-0 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League.

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Rodrygo makes Champions League history for Real Madrid

In just his fourth start for Real Madrid, Rodrygo scored a perfect hat-trick during their Champions League game against Galatasaray. His first goal was a smart dummy followed by a finish with his left foot, while his second was a looping header which nestled at the far post. His third goal was a left-footed finish from Karim Benzema's through ball, which meant that the 18-year old teenager netted a perfect hat-trick on the night - left-foot, right-foot and a header - the hat-trick triumvirate. In doing so, Rodrygo became the second-youngest Brazilian to score a hat-trick in European competition, the first being former Galactico, Ronaldo Nazario. Also, his first-half brace came within a span of seven minutes, making it the quickest double scored in Real Madrid's Champions League history. 

With two Brazilian starlets in their ranks, it is natural that comparisons have been drawn between Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Both players were signed for a similar fee of around reported €45 million. Both players have a similar style of play - fleet-footed and skilful football. However, despite a strong start to his Real Madrid career, Vinicius Jr. now finds himself behind Rodrygo in the pecking order. While both players may have a similar style of play, Brazil coach Tite believes that Rodrygo is a more complete player than his counterpart, Vinicius Jr. Tite also believes that Rodrygo's unselfish play with the ball, coupled with his decision-making skills and footballing maturity gives him the edge over Vinicius Jr. 

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While these comparisons may not be truly necessary as both players are in the nascent stages of their footballing careers, one thing is for certain. No matter which one of the two goes on to have a more successful career with Real Madrid, Los Blancos have secured their attacking future by signing the two Brazilian teenagers. At the moment, however, Rodrygo is enjoying the spotlight, and rightly so.

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