Real Madrid's unwanted gem targets European champions
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 19.04.26. | 16:48
On loan striker Endrick was bullish ahead of the big game with PSG
When he was signed from Palmeiras in a blockbuster deal worth up to 60 million euros, Endrick arrived with the weight of expectation and the promise of following the Vinicius-Rodrygo path. But the reality soon kicked in. In his first season, he logged 847 minutes across 37 games, mostly from the bench, scoring seven goals - often against weaker opposition or in the Copa del Rey. Under Xabi Alonso, his role shrank to almost nothing: three appearances, 99 minutes, no impact. So, he chose to go to Lyon on a loan (without an option to buy).
The former French giant seemed like a perfect place for the Brazilian. He scored five goals in his first five matches, but then he stopped. In the last 11 games in all competition, Endrick has found the net just once. But that didn’t stop him from being bullish ahead of the away game in Paris, against current UEFA Champions League champion PSG.
"I know everyone will say they are the favorites, but we've already beaten other favorites. It's going to be a tough game. The biggest title in Europe is still theirs, and they have the Ballon d'Or winner in their squad, as well as several players who will be at the World Cup. It's going to be a match watched all over the world" Endrick said in comments sent to AFP.
PSG enter the fixture in fine form, sitting one point clear atop Ligue 1 and having qualified for the Champions League semi-finals after beating Premier League title-holders Liverpool 4-0 on aggregate. On the other side, Lyon still has to fight for the third spot, which guarantees the direct Champions League qualifications. Fabian Ruiz, who trained with the team all week, is expected to play his first minutes in many weeks tonight. However, Nuno Mendes will not be available, remaining sidelined since his injury against Liverpool.
LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 30
Friday
Lens - Toulouse 3-2 (0-2)
/Abdulhamid 61, Thomasson 67, Ganiou 90+1 - Casseres Jr. 6, Koumbassa 13/
Saturday
Lorient - Olympique Marseille 2-0 (1-0)
/Katseris 28, Dieng 58/
Angers - Le Havre 1-1 (1-1)
/Peter 28 - Boufal 13/
Lille - Nice 0-0
Sunday
16.00: (1.57) Monaco (4.40) Auxerre (5.40)
18.15: (3.50) Metz (3.45) Paris (2.10)
18.15: (2.35) Nantes (3.30) Brest (3.10)
18.15: (2.60) Strasbourg (3.65) Rennes (2.55)
21.45: (1.32) PSG (5.60) Olympique Lyon (8.50)
***odds are subject to change***