In a rematch of the 2023-24 Champions League ultimate, Borussia Dortmund thought that they had the match wrapped up within the first half of play however Actual Madrid stormed again from down 2-0 to win 5-2 on the Santiago Bernabeu in an iconic efficiency from Vinicius Junior. Objectives from Donyell Malen and Jamie Gittens put Nuri Sahin’s males up at halftime whereas Madrid struggled to string assaults collectively, however all they wanted had been some changes to get again into the match. Vinicius Junior netted a hat trick within the second half of play whereas Madrid scored not one, not two, not three or 4, however 5 unanswered targets within the second half.
Los Blancos had been capable of put Dortmund’s best-laid plans to waste as a result of that is what you do once you’re the perfect crew on this planet. The domination of Actual Madrid for 60 minutes does not matter. If you are going to come on the reigning Champions League winners, you’ve got received to ensure they keep down.
Within the second half of play, Actual Madrid took 17 pictures, placing 9 on track, and scoring 5 targets. In the meantime, Borussia Dortmund had been restricted to solely two pictures and an xG of 0.10 within the second half. When issues flip right into a psychological battle, no crew has extra self-belief that they will discover a method than Actual Madrid. Whereas Kylian Mbappe is discovering his ft, it is nonetheless Vinicius Junior who has the second gear to make Carlo Ancelotti’s males unstoppable.
Questions must be requested about Borussia Dortmund’s collapse and Emre Can’s efficiency off the bench as a result of that is additionally a crew used to massive moments. Lower than a 12 months faraway from going through Actual within the UCL ultimate, they did not seem like a crew that belonged on the identical pitch as Los Blancos within the second half.
A few of the purpose for that’s Vini Jr’s ascent to turning into among the finest gamers on this planet, if not the perfect. However all the Madrid crew imposed their will in a ultimate half-hour to recollect. Eduardo Camavinga’s introduction into the match helped steadiness the midfield, and even Lucas Vazquez, who secured the go-ahead purpose, is filling in for an injured Dani Carvajal.
“Positively [Vini Jr. should win the Ballon d’Or], however not only for tonight, however all season he was excellent and we’re trying ahead to seeing who will win,” Luka Modric stated to CBS Sports activities. “However I feel total once you see how he performed final season and what he’s doing this season, particularly after tonight, I feel he deserves it.”
Modric wasn’t the one individual backing Vini for the award as Ancelotti took issues a step additional.
“I feel he will win it due to what he did final 12 months. The three targets from [Tuesday] will assist for the following Ballon d’Or,” the Actual coach stated after the sport.
For this reason Actual Madrid are anticipated to win the whole lot of their path. The extent of particular person brilliance is unmatched. They’ve the doubtless Ballon d’Or winner in Vini Jr, with the award set to be given out subsequent week, however they nonetheless have not hit prime gear with Mbappe and even with Jude Bellingham attacking lower than final season, anybody on this crew can get away and make you pay.
“I need to keep right here endlessly. I like Actual Madrid,” Vini Jr stated following the match. “We need to win the Champions League once more.”
That mentality is what continues to drive Madrid additional. What number of previous accolades they’ve had does not matter, it is all about transferring on to the following one. It is particularly essential with an El Clasico on Saturday vs. Barcelona. Win that and Actual Madrid may also go degree atop La Liga with their most hated rivals. But once more Vini Jr can be known as on however as he is proven time and time once more, he’ll be prepared for any problem in his path. As will Actual Madrid.
