Real hero Vini Jr hits back at City fans' taunts in the Champions League | OneFootball

One day after securing his name on Carlo Ancelotti’s call-up list for the final tests of the Brazilian National Team before the World Cup, forward Vinícius Júnior was decisive in Real Madrid’s qualification for the Champions League quarterfinals. He scored both goals in the 2-1 victory over Manchester City and responded to an old provocation from English fans.

Vini Jr. opened the scoring in the first half with a penalty goal. During his celebration, he made a crying gesture with his hands. The Brazilian admitted it was a response to City fans, who taunted Madrid’s number 7 last year after the forward lost the Ballon d’Or to Rodri, midfielder for Guardiola’s team.

“Football is very long. Last season, they provoked me and today I was able to celebrate the way I thought was necessary,” Vini told TNT Sports.

Real Madrid and Manchester City faced each other in the Champions League playoffs in February 2025. On that occasion, the English fans taunted Vini by unfurling a huge banner with a photo of Rodri holding the Ballon d’Or and the phrase “stop crying your heart out,” a song by the English band Oasis.

City tied the match in the second half, but another goal from Vini secured Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester (ENG). The team led by Arbeloa already had the advantage after winning 3-0 in the first leg at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

“This always happens, but the players, the fans, whenever we reach this stage of the season, we switch gears. Everyone knows how important this competition is for our club. We’re going to keep fighting to play matches like this, where we have to suffer to win. But we’re ready for anything,” analyzed Vini Jr., who has five goals and four assists in 12 matches in the Champions League.

“I don’t keep looking at the numbers, I always keep the feeling that I have to be able to wear this shirt every day. It was my childhood dream to be here, with great players, great friends. It’s always important to score goals, today I missed a few, but I didn’t need that many, so I was important. I hope more will come in the next matches and that I can keep scoring, assisting, and helping the biggest club in the world,” he declared.

Real Madrid awaits quarterfinal opponent

With their spot in the quarterfinals secured, Real Madrid now awaits their opponent, which will be decided in the clash between Bayern Munich and Atalanta. In the first leg, the German team won 6-1 and only needs a draw to confirm their place.

“It’s going to be a tough game again, but we’re prepared. That’s what this competition is about, you have to beat the best to win. This always happens with us and we’re on to the next one,” he projected.

Brazilian National Team and Neymar’s absence from the call-up

Ancelotti decided not to call up Neymar in this last list before the official one for the World Cup, which sparked debate. Vinicius Júnior commented on the absence of the attacking midfielder and looked ahead to the friendlies against France and Croatia, the last ones before the World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“Ancelotti is very clear about what he wants. I can’t interfere in any of that, but we know Ney’s quality and we know that if he’s ready to help us, Ancelotti will take him and we’ll be together at the World Cup, God willing,” Vini opined.

“It’s an important challenge for us. We keep preparing for the World Cup. May it be a great game, we always say that we know each other so well that we know what the other is going to do. I hope Tchouameni and Camavinga don’t come to lose so I can dribble past the other players who don’t know me. It’s going to be a great game and I’m very happy with another call-up,” he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.