Mr. Champions League – Numbers prove Real Madrid megastar could inherit the throne from Ronaldo and Messi | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s elimination of Manchester City largely revolved around Vinicius Jr., who delivered when the team needed him the most. 

After already influencing the first leg, Vinicius took complete control in the return fixture, scoring twice and shutting down any hopes of a comeback from Pep Guardiola’s side. 

In fact, what we are witnessing now feels like a shift in hierarchy at the top of European football.

Simply put, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi no longer driving the story, a new figure has stepped forward. 

Interestingly, right now, no attacker is influencing the knockout ties quite like Vinicius. Not Kylian Mbappe, not Erling Haaland, it is Vinicius.

A look at the numbers

As per Mundo Deportivo, since making his Champions League debut in the 2018-19 season, Vinicius has been directly involved in 29 goals in knockout matches alone, scoring 16 goals and 13 assists.

Vinicius has no match in knockout football. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Even more telling is his recent run, as the Brazilian has now scored in five consecutive knockout matches, a streak that stretches across multiple ties and seasons. 

From previous campaigns, where Real Madrid were eliminated by Arsenal, to this latest clash against Manchester City, he has consistently delivered in the moments that define European success.

There is no comparison

When compared to his closest rivals, Mbappe sits behind with 22 goal contributions in knockout matches, while Robert Lewandowski follows with 21. 

In fact, across the last ten seasons, Vinicius still leads in attacking contributions in knockout football, edging both players once again.

Under Alvaro Arbeloa, his importance has only increased. All five of his goals in this season’s Champions League have come under the current manager, with four of them arriving in knockout matches. 

Judging by the outcome, it can be argued that even if Real Madrid face Bayern Munich next, the Bavarians will have to do a lot to disturb his confidence.