Rodrygo Goes 'simply shines' in the Champions League for Real Madrid

Real Madrid's Rodrygo Goes has been hailed as one of the most promising talents in European football after his outstanding performance in the Copa del Rey final last Saturday.

The Brazilian forward's brace saw him crowned the man of the moment alongside his compatriot Vinicius Junior.

Rodrygo is currently gearing up for his favourite competition, the Champions League, where he hopes to continue his impressive goal-scoring streak. His 16 goals in the tournament so far have taken him past Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario's total of 15 for Los Blancos.

Real face Manchester City on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

"It's a dream to enter the top nine of top scorers in the history of Real Madrid in the Champions League. I hope I can score many more goals and climb positions in that ranking. It means a lot to me to surpass Ronaldo, who is an idol for me, for Brazil, and for our entire generation," said Rodrygo in an interview with Diario AS.

Interestingly, statistics show that Rodrygo has been far more effective in cup competitions than in La Liga this season. He currently has one of the worst conversion rates in La Liga, with just six strikes from an expected 12.84. In contrast, he has five goals from an expected 4.5 in the Champions League, with more goals in Europe than his 13 since arriving in La Liga.

When questioned about this disparity, Rodrygo told Real Madrid's club media, "Playing in the Champions League is always more special. For me, it was always a dream to play in it, and I've already won it once, and I am very grateful for that.

"I always get butterflies in my stomach when I play, but in the Champions League, good things always happen, and I don't know what is different, what happens to me when I play, but it seems that everything comes off."

Rodrygo's love for the Champions League has been well-documented, and his passion for the competition is clear. With his exceptional talent and fierce determination, he looks set to continue making waves on the European stage.