Vinícius Júnior scored twice on Wednesday night during the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but according to the Brazilian, the prize could just as easily have gone to another player from Los Blancos.
Real Madrid delivered an emphatic performance in their 5-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg, securing their dominance in the Champions League group stage. However, the match was not without its moments of tension and reflection, as both individual and collective aspects of the team came under the spotlight.
Vinícius Júnior, who scored twice during the match, was surprisingly critical of his own performance despite his standout contributions. Speaking to Movistar, the Brazilian forward said, “I felt like I couldn’t play a good game in the first half.” His humility was evident as he downplayed his role in the victory and expressed disappointment over receiving a yellow card, which rules him out of the final group stage match against Stade Brest. “I picked up a card that rules me out of the next match. Rodrygo, Jude (Bellingham), or a few others could have won this award as well,” he added, referring to the Man of the Match trophy he received.
Despite his self-criticism, Vinícius’s achievements on the night were historic. By scoring his 100th and 101st goals in official matches for Real Madrid, he moved closer to surpassing the legendary Ronaldo Nazário’s tally for the club. “I’m very happy to score goals in this shirt,” Vinícius said. “I’m two goals behind Ronaldo and would then become the Brazilian with the most goals in this shirt.” This milestone underscores Vinícius’s rapid rise as one of Real Madrid’s most important players, blending youthful energy with a growing sense of responsibility.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for his team’s performance but also highlighted areas for improvement. “We achieved our goal,” Ancelotti said during the post-match press conference. “Winning and trying to play a good game. We started a bit flat, but we sorted things out well. There’s no doubt about the quality of our attack because the efficiency we have up front is incredible. Other things still need improvement. Sometimes we perform well, sometimes less so, but we’re on the right track.”
Ancelotti’s tactical decisions also drew attention. Jude Bellingham, who has been a revelation since joining the club, was substituted as a precaution. The coach explained that managing his players’ fitness is crucial as the team prepares for the more demanding stages of the competition. “It’s about being smart with our resources. Bellingham has been exceptional, but we need to ensure he stays fit for the long run,” Ancelotti noted.
The match wasn’t without its challenges. Five minutes before the final whistle, Salzburg managed to score a consolation goal, led by their coach Thomas Letsch, formerly of Vitesse. Despite the defensive lapse, Ancelotti remained composed. “I’m not upset about the goal,” he said. “We defended well overall. Rüdiger was excellent today, Alaba is back, and Asensio is in good shape. It’s a collective issue. That’s the key for this year. If we can work together as a team, we’ll be successful and can capitalize on the quality we have up front.”
The conversation around Real Madrid’s attacking prowess extends beyond their own team. Shortly after halftime in another Champions League match, Kylian Mbappé scored his 51st goal in the competition, equaling the tallies of Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah. The 26-year-old French forward continues to solidify his status as one of the best players in the world. While still far from Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 140 goals or Lionel Messi’s 129, Mbappé’s consistency at such a young age is a reminder of his extraordinary talent and potential to rewrite the record books.
For Real Madrid, this victory against Salzburg not only bolstered their confidence but also highlighted the team’s depth and potential. The midfield duo of Luka Modrić and Eduardo Camavinga provided balance and creativity, while Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior terrorized Salzburg’s defense with their pace and precision. The inclusion of Dani Carvajal and the return of David Alaba added solidity to the backline, ensuring the team’s defensive structure remained intact for most of the match.
As the group stage draws to a close, Real Madrid’s focus shifts to maintaining momentum in the knockout rounds. With Vinícius in prolific form, Bellingham controlling the midfield, and a strong supporting cast, the Spanish giants are well-positioned to challenge for Europe’s most coveted trophy once again.
This victory also serves as a statement to the rest of Europe. Real Madrid, with their unparalleled history in the Champions League, remain a formidable force. Their blend of experience and youthful exuberance, coupled with Ancelotti’s tactical acumen, makes them a team to watch as the competition progresses. For the fans at the Santiago Bernabéu, nights like these are a reminder of the magic and legacy of Los Blancos on the grandest stage.
