The Champions League continues its love affair with Real Madrid. The transformation that the Spanish giants undergo in their favourite competition is a fact, but it is also true for some players. One of them is Vinicius. The Brazilian is in ‘Mr Champions’ mode, and after his game against City, he has made history and engraved his name among the greatest Real Madrid players in Europe, as Cristiano Ronaldo did before him.
With an assist (so says UEFA) in Valverde’s exhibition of power yesterday, the Brazilian equalled a Cristiano Ronaldo record with Los Blancos. He has 31 assists in the Champions League and is now, along with CR7, Real Madrid’s all-time leading assist provider in Europe’s elite competition. He has also done so in 26 fewer games (79) than the Portuguese (105). A record that, with everything he has ahead of him, is expected to go even further. However, far from stopping there, Vini broke another record yesterday: second player in history to make 10 or more contributions in five consecutive years in the Champions League.
Equals his greatest reference and will seek to surpass him
If we talk about a reference for the youngest Real Madrid fans, there is one name that stands out above the rest: Cristiano Ronaldo. For Vinicius Junior, he is also a hero. He has acknowledged this on several occasions, and also on the night of celebration after the game. “Idol,” the Brazilian striker said after boasting of his new record, unprecedented after the Portuguese star
After reaching these figures, the next challenge for him is to break that tie at Madrid. However, the ceiling is ambitious and surpassing the 42 contributions that make up the top of UEFA’s official page is not out of the question. If he stays at the club for more years, as is his will, that record is in danger. He will look to become the player with the most assists in the history of the competition. We will have to see his performance, luck and future, but right now, Vini’s numbers seem to be going down in history
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