Vinicius explains meaning behind his celebration against Man City: ‘Football gives you another chance’ | OneFootball

Vinicius Jr. delivered when it mattered most, stepping up with a decisive performance to guide Real Madrid past Manchester City and into the Champions League quarter-finals. 

The Brazilian forward, who walked away with the Man of the Match award after scoring twice in a 2-1 win, was at the heart of everything dangerous for his side.

But instead of focusing purely on his goals, Vinicius chose to comment on the collective performance and the importance of the result. 

He admitted that while Madrid were effective, there was still room for improvement in his own finishing.

“It’s a very important match for our confidence. Since the start of the season, we’ve had a lot of good matches, but we haven’t been in control as much as we were in this tie. 

“It was a tough match against a great team and a great coach, but we knew what we had to do. 

“We took advantage of our opportunities. I missed a lot, but we didn’t need that many,” he explained.

Important win for Real Madrid

Looking beyond the match itself, Vinicius made it clear that this victory comes at a crucial point in the season, where momentum can define how far Real Madrid go in both La Liga and the Champions League.

“This is a crucial moment where all the players know the big matches are coming up. 

Vinicius scored two goals against Man City. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“In this competition, at Real Madrid, everything changes, and we’re ready for more.”

The penalty goal

Another key talking point from the match was the penalty situation, especially given Vinicius had missed from the spot in the first leg. 

Despite that, he took responsibility again, something he later explained came down to trust within the squad.

“I told Federico Valverde to take the first-leg penalty, but he didn’t want to. I told him again today, but he put his full trust in me,” he said.

Explaining the celebration

Beyond the goals and decisions on the pitch, Vinicius also had a personal point to make with his celebration. 

After scoring, he mimicked a crying gesture in front of the Manchester City supporters, which was a direct response to last season’s banner aimed at him following the Ballon d’Or disappointment.

Addressing that moment and the meaning behind it, he concluded,

“That’s what football is good for, there’s always another chance. Here we are, we’ve won.

“We’re going to the quarterfinals with our fans, our family, all the players and the coaching staff, who have meant everything to us.”

Source: Real Madrid official website