Real Madrid cantera product Jese Rodriguez took his first team bow in the 0-2 away win over Ponferradina in the Copa Del Rey.
The 18-year old came on the pitch in the 78th minute, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo after he had scored a terrific solo goal from the left wing.
Jesse has been with the Santiago Bernabéu outfit since the age of 14, and the academy graduate has been waiting in the wings for his chance.
The youngster had travelled with the first team in their last two away fixtures. He was with the squad as Real Madrid disposed off Ajax Amsterdam in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pedro-Mendes-c29617 took to the pitch
instead.
After the match, a glowing Rodriguez talked to reporters about his joy at making his debut for Los Blancos.
"I'm happy for the opportunity the coach has given me. Now I have to do is keep working hard, but I am very happy that I could play here," an ecstatic Jesse stated.
The young winger dedicated his debut to his family: "I remembered my parents and my brothers."
Rodriguez also had good words for the manager, about whom he stated is well aware about the young players in the youth academy.
"Mourinho knows that all players are very good Castilla, but we have to work for promotion to Segunda," the youngster concluded.
Jesse came on the pitch to replace http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cristiano-Ronaldo-c9629, a tactic that Jose Mourinho explained after the match. He stated that with the match all but over at 0-2, it was time to give the youngster a chance that he had been waiting for.
The Portuguese also reflected on the delayed debut date for the cantera product. He clarified that he did not give him his debut against Ajax as he cannot play in the right-back position, where he wanted to send a player.
Real Madrid will play the return leg of the tie on December 20 at Santiago Bernabéu. The Capital club have had a good start to the current season, having qualified to the knockout stage of Champions League with a perfect winning record, and are joint top
of La Liga rankings with a game in hand.
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