The Santiago Bernabeu was quiet – too quiet – with Real Madrid leading Valencia 3-0 with hardly any time left. It seemed as though there was no chance for the Che to reverse the score, but the 82nd minute brought a moment of pure, perfect bliss. Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, the young Spanish centre-back, made the fans sit up and remember a legend, one of Roberto Carlos. His perfect strike brings them to the place with just seconds to recall the good old days.
This particular goal was not only a fantastic addition to the score, but it was his declaration for his team. He received the ball after a blocked Rodrygo’s shot at the angle of the penalty area, grabbed it, made a step, put the defender off balance, and then fired the ultimate rocket to the top corner. The stadium was on fire, while Carreras, a 22-year-old Madridista, danced with joy after scoring his first goal. The club president, Florentino Pérez, even smirked, apparently recalling the Brazilian who had cast a shadow over Madrid’s left wing.
The story of Fernan Carreras is out of the ordinary. He started with the Real Madrid academy, left it at 17, in 2020 to join United, spent time in Preston North End, Granada, and Benfica, and permanently joined the Lisbon club for €6 million in 2024 before returning as a Galician hero a year later for €50 million. Ferland Mendy got injured too much, Fran García did not succeed in fending off the competition, and Carreras, with his speed, possession play, and, currently, a spectacular shot, took the place by storm. However, considering a €6 million deal, one suspects that this omission will haunt United for years, the player said of Carlos’ comparison, “Re. He continued, “I am about the level of Carlos; end there; I am just pleased with his quarter of the century.” But, for a magical night at the Bernabeu, Alvaro Carreras made everyone believe the legend was close again.
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