The return leg against Benfica in the Champions League Playoffs had Vinicius Jr. as the main focus of attention, and he ultimately scored and made the difference for Real Madrid, securing their passage to the Champions League Round of 16 of the competition.
The Brazilian footballer had come off receiving racist insults from Gianluca Prestianni, and at the time José Mourinho asked him not to celebrate his goals in an euphoric way-something he ignored and did again.
Thibaut Courtois on Vini’s celebration
The Real Madrid goalkeeper showed himself happy for his teammate and hopes that “he keeps dancing, because it means he’s scoring goals,” he said on Movistar+ at the end of the match, which Real Madrid won 2-1.
The Belgian also referred to Prestianni’s absence, which forced Benfica to maneuver with positions, although they managed to score a goal against them.
“They, since (Gianluca) Prestianni wasn’t playing, didn’t play with a right winger. Richard Ríos played through the middle and caused us problems with who to mark; and that’s where their first goal came from. We adjusted at halftime, but in the first half we suffered,” he added.
Regarding their next opponent in the Champions League Round of 16, he expressed himself and spoke about a Manchester City that has come up in the last four editions, or alternatively Sporting Lisbon, whom he is more eager to face.
“You already know that tomorrow or the day after City will come out (laughs). I hope we can change it. It’s a tough opponent; they’re doing well in the Portuguese League. We’ve played against City for many years-it feels like the dream lottery match, and let’s hope it’s not like that,” he added.
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