After Tuesday night’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich, Real Madrid’s press officer hurried to find Vinicius Junior on the field and provide him with a training top.
With Vinicius half-naked following a shirt exchange with Bayern’s Bryan Zaragoza, it seemed like Madrid wanted to ensure he didn’t catch a cold. They couldn’t afford any risks with their star player, who had just rescued them with two crucial goals in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Playing as a No 9, Vinicius faced Harry Kane, the striker Carlo Ancelotti had unsuccessfully pursued last summer.
Despite Madrid’s interest in Kane, they ended up signing Joselu on loan instead. Ancelotti, facing an injury crisis that depleted his squad of both center-backs and strikers, had to navigate through the season by sheer survival skills.
He transformed Jude Bellingham into a new position earlier in the season, and in the latter part, he helped Vinicius Jr reach new heights as a leader in Madrid’s attacking line.
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Vinicius Jr’s first goal showcased his pure striking abilities, with a clever run and a clinical finish past Manuel Neuer. Celebrating at the corner flag and kissing the club badge on his shirt, he displayed a sense of leadership on the field.
Vinicius Jr bowing to Kroos after the opening goal (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)
He then acknowledged Toni Kroos, who orchestrated the goal with a sublime through ball. Despite Kroos downplaying the pass, Vinicius Jr credited their chemistry and teamwork.