Real Madrid start 'couldn't have been better', says striker Rodrygo

Rodrygo said Real Madrid's start to the new campaign 'couldn't have been better' after helping Los Blancos maintain their 100% La Liga winning record.

The Brazilian winger contributed a goal and an assist as Madrid rallied to beat Mallorca 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, completing a comeback that began with Federico Valverde's extraordinary solo goal.< /p>

With five wins in as many La Liga matches, Madrid are the only team with a 100% record in Europe's top five leagues this season.

This is only the second season this century in which Madrid have started with five league wins (also in 2009-10).

Speaking to the club's website after Sunday's win, Rodrygo said: "Our start couldn't have been better.

"It's the fruit of our efforts. We have two tough games to come now, we have to keep working and doing the right things because we have everything in place to enjoy a fantastic season."

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Rodrygo's assist helped Vinicius Junior score in his fourth consecutive league appearance at the start of the season, and the first likes to link up with his compatriot.

"Vini and I get on really well. We needed to get a bit closer to each other," Rodrygo added.

"[Luka] Modric was putting balls between the lines, that's where the coach asked me to be for most of the game. I found space there, I joined Vini, and the goal came. We just had to get closer.

"The gaffer asked me to attack the space, to get behind the defense. It was the only space you could find because they were very compact and it was so difficult to connect to the interior.

"We succeeded several times, but it was not easy. Then finally the goals came."

The tenacious midfielder Valverde was the catalyst for Madrid's comeback, advancing from his own half before making a fabulous effort into the top left corner to put the hosts level.

However, rather than individual applause, Valverde's main concern was to pick up the three points.

“I am delighted to have won the victory. The goal was beautiful, but the important thing was to win. We have this pride and this audacity to go after the game even if we are late,” said Valverde.

"I started running, saw the red shirts and tried to get around them so I could continue. When I saw they were showing me inside, I took advantage and I shot with my left. It was a team goal.

"I often tried my luck last season with my right and always touched the post or saw it go just wide.

"Now they come in, and I really appreciate that spell. I try to use my qualities, running with the ball is part of it.

"When things go well, it's great. After the team has worked so hard, those things bring you real joy."

Madrid have already picked up six points after losing positions in La Liga this season. Only Southampton and Milan (both seven) have done better in Europe's top five leagues this season.