Madrid,Spain(AP)- In a tantalizing preview of football’s next great rivalry, teenage sensations Lamine Yamal and Endrick put on a show as Spain and Brazil played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in a friendly match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The highly-anticipated friendly between the two football giants did not disappoint, with the young stars stealing the spotlight. It was 16-year-old Yamal who drew first blood, winning a penalty for Spain in the 12th minute which Rodri coolly converted to make it 1-0. Dani Olmo’s brilliant individual effort doubled Spain’s lead on 36 minutes. Just before halftime, a goalkeeping error allowed Rodrygo to pull one back for Brazil, setting up an explosive second half. Endrick, the 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid who has already agreed to join Real Madrid, came on as a substitute and immediately made his mark, scoring the equalizer just four minutes after the restart.
Spain regained the lead through another Rodri penalty on 86 minutes, but there was still time for more drama. Deep into stoppage time, Brazil won a penalty of their own, and Paqueta stepped up to make it 3-3 with virtually the last kick of the game. While the established stars like Rodri shone, it was Yamal and Endrick who had fans drooling at the prospect of this blossoming El Clásico rivalry for years to come. Yamal, the Barcelona youngster, was a constant thorn in Brazil’s side, showing maturity beyond his years. Remarkably, the teenager was even applauded by the Bernabeu crowd, just as Ronaldinho once was, despite playing for Real Madrid’s archrivals.
Endrick, meanwhile, demonstrated why he is one of the hottest properties in world football with a sparkling cameo. As Yamal plies his trade for Barcelona and Endrick prepares to join Real Madrid’s ranks, this entertaining friendly contest at the Santiago Bernabeu could be the first chapter in an epic personal duel between the two prodigiously talented teenagers.
