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It was about 2014 when Real Madrid decided they wanted to stop being the club that just bought Ballon d'Or winners for €150m, and start being the team that signed talented teenagers for less than a third of the price. Their victory over Manchester City was built on that policy change six years ago.
If not for Vinicius' incredible goal in the first leg, a second leg comeback might have been beyond even them. And if not for Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga on Wednesday night they would not be in the Paris final.
For all the brilliance of Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois, it was the supporting cast of kids that carried them over the line.
Real Madrid youngsters Rodrygo (front) and Eduardo Camavinga (back) were crucial to their win over Manchester City
Rodrygo's goals per games record in the Champions League is one every 104 minutes, that's better than every other player who has played at least 10 games for the club in Europe, bar Ferenc Puskas and Cristiano Ronaldo.
His ability to be in the right place at the right time in the biggest of games is even more incredible in view of his limited role in the league this season – only 13 starts.
Camavinga was not far behind him with his contribution. It was his pass out to Benzema ahead of the first goal. And it's his running with the ball that looks like it's been super-imposed on the game from another match – he's fresh while others are wilting.
That can be explained by the fact that he had come off the bench but he's 19 – it's far harder to explain where he gets the confidence to dominate the biggest game of the season at both ends of the pitch the way he did.
Madrid supporters have wondered where their midfield will be, once Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are no longer playing.
Judging by Camavinga's performances in the Champions League this season they need have no concerns.
Madrid were so often
