SUMMARY
- Jude Bellingham has undoubtedly been the signing of the season for Real Madrid.
- However, a former FC Barcelona player has lauded another 23-year-old talent for Real's success this season.
In what was a clash between two of Europe’s finest soccer clubs, it was Real Madrid who prevailed as they took on FC Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UCL. After an enthralling first leg that ended in a 2-2 draw at Bayern’s Allianz Arena, Real Madrid defeated the Bundesliga giants in the second leg. However, while it Joselu’s goals that sealed Madrid’s win, one particular star deserves more praise than he has been getting.
Despite Bayern Munich grabbing the first goal in the 68th minute, super-sub Joselu’s brace in the dying minutes of the game sealed the victory for Real Madrid. However, it was Vinicius Jr. who was awarded the man-of-the-match for his heroics during the game. The Brazilian forward posed a constant threat to the Bayern defense throughout the duration of the game.
Thierry Henry: “Vinicius Júnior needs his recognition. Don’t sleep on this man… There was a moment in the game when no Real Madrid player wanted the ball, but he wanted the ball.” pic.twitter.com/xr9b8xhkrA
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) May 9, 2024
Vini forced multiple saves from Bayern goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer, while he also hit the post early in the game. It was also Vini’s initial shot that was spilled by Neuer that led to Joselu’s first goal. French soccer icon Thierry Henry, who now works as a pundit for CBS Sports, heaped praise on the 23-year-old on CBS’ program. He admired Vinicius’ relentless efforts throughout the game despite not getting on the scoresheet.
The former FC Barcelona forward said, “The way he wants the ball, the way he pushes things. He never gives up. No one wanted the ball at one point for Real Madrid. He was coming, attacking, creating. He deserves it, do not sleep on this one.” Lastly, Henry also admitted that besides the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. deserves to be labeled as one of the best players in the world at this moment.
Vinicius Jr. thanks Real Madrid president after UCL semifinal win
It was a party mood all over the Spanish capital after Real Madrid booked their places for the UCL final at Wembley next month. A jampacked Santiago Bernabeu flooded with white shirts raucously celebrated Los Blancos’ win. Following the match, Vini had a word or two to say to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
⚪️🇧🇷 Vinicius Jr has been voted as UEFA Man of the Match for Real Madrid 🆚 Bayern.
“President Florentino Pérez, thanks for bringing me to the biggest club in the world”, Vini said. pic.twitter.com/otJh8VEcWp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 8, 2024
The Brazilian international said, “President Florentino Pérez, thanks for bringing me to the biggest club in the world.” It will be the second Champions League final for Vinicius Jr as Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund in the final. Having already scored the winner in the 2022 UCL final against Liverpool, Vini would be setting his sights on getting yet another goal in the final of Europe’s premier club competition.
Vinicius Jr. isn’t bothered about winning the Ballon d’Or
While the 2023-24 draws near its business end, talks about the 2024 Ballon d’Or have already started heating up. The names of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Vinicius Jr. have emerged as the front-runners for the title. Unsurprisingly, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi‘s name has also come up.
🎙️ Journalist: “Are you thinking about the Ballon d’Or?”
🎙️ Vinicius Jr: “I only think about winning another Champions League.” pic.twitter.com/M47PsLpJcT
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 9, 2024
However, Vinicius admitted that he isn’t bothered about the Ballon d’Or race. He said, “Everyone talks about the Ballon d’Or but I’m very calm.” Vini maintained that he’s fully focused on the upcoming Champions League final. Additionally, Vini also admitted that he is also thinking about winning the Copa America 2024 with the Brazilian national team.
