Brazil Teenager Endrick Becomes Real Madrid’s Youngest Champions League Scorer 

Real Madrid's Brazilian forward #16 Endrick celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 1 football match between Real Madrid CF and Stuttgart VFB at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 17, 2024. (AFP)
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward #16 Endrick celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 1 football match between Real Madrid CF and Stuttgart VFB at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 17, 2024. (AFP)
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Brazil Teenager Endrick Becomes Real Madrid’s Youngest Champions League Scorer 

Real Madrid's Brazilian forward #16 Endrick celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 1 football match between Real Madrid CF and Stuttgart VFB at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 17, 2024. (AFP)
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward #16 Endrick celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 1st round day 1 football match between Real Madrid CF and Stuttgart VFB at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on September 17, 2024. (AFP)

Endrick became Real Madrid’s youngest Champions League scorer on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Brazil forward scored with a shot from outside the area deep into stoppage time in Madrid’s 3-1 win over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

At 18 years and 58 days, he surpassed former Madrid great Raúl González, who was 18 years and 113 days old when he scored a hat trick in Madrid’s 6-1 win against Ferencvárosi in 1995, according to UEFA.

Endrick came into the match in the 80th to replace Jude Bellingham.

His goal came off a breakaway that started back in the Madrid defense. The youngster made a long run and had the option to feed either Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Júnior, but he preferred to take a low shot with his left foot. Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel got his hands to the ball but couldn’t keep it from going in.

“I had passed the ball to Vini the first time, but then I felt that the best option was to take the shot and it went in,” Endrick said.

It was the first Champions League goal for the Brazilian, who went near the crowd behind the goal to celebrate close to the fans.

Rodrygo, Endrick’s Brazil teammate, joked that Endrick “was crazy” to take that shot.

“He did something that no one would have done it,” Rodrygo said. “I’m really happy for him, it’s always special to score in the Champions League.”

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Endrick showed “a lot of confidence” by attempting the shot, but joked that “I would have killed him if he had failed.”

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Endrick “had a lot of guts to take the shot.”

It was Endrick’s second goal since joining Madrid from Brazilian club Palmeiras this season. The first had come in his Madrid debut in the Spanish league.



Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
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Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)

American Learner Tien and Brazilian João Fonseca advanced on Saturday to the final of the Next Generation ATP Finals.

The event, which will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, is being organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), sponsored by the Public Investment Fund, and held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. This was Tien’s first appearance in the final of a professional tournament outside the US.

In the second semifinal, Brazilian João Fonseca earned his spot in the final by defeating France's Luca Van Assche in straight sets. Fonseca remains unbeaten in this edition of the tournament, being the only player with a perfect record.

Following his win, Tien said: "I can't put my feelings into words. I'm very happy with this victory, but I also feel a bit of regret since it came at the expense of Alex, with whom I share a strong bond. Of course, I'm thrilled to have advanced to the final."

Fonseca also reflected on his performance and qualification, saying: "I've never had such an outstanding week on a hard court before. I'm playing at my highest level, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I stayed fully focused, with my family and training team by my side, which has been amazing. I hope to keep this momentum and win the title."

The final match is expected to draw a large audience and media presence. It concludes the global tennis season for 2024.

The ATP Next Gen Finals represent a significant milestone for tennis in the Kingdom; it is the first professional tennis tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia, and helps achieve the Saudi Tennis Federation's ambitions, including fostering Saudi champions in the sport.