Vinicius Junior does it again
Although Vinicius Junior did not score or assist in this game, he was, based on what I saw, the best player on the pitch for Real Madrid vs. Barcelona. And it is telling that Real’s counterattacks had less bite to them without the 20-year-old, who was subbed out in the 71st minute with the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals in Zinedine Zidane’s mind.
Vinicius was impossible for Barcelona’s defense to stop. Even Oscar Mingueza, who was one of the best players on the pitch in this Clasico, had serious issues stopping him. The Brazilian left winger ran the show on counters, including making one jaw-dropping pass across the pitch to Karim Benzema.
And Vini did create a goal. He won’t get an assist since Toni Kroos’ strike was from a free kick, but Vini’s dazzling skills enabled him to draw a foul on the very edge of the box, which Kroos deflected off of Sergino Dest’s back for a decisive second.
According to WhoScored.com, Vinicius Junior led Real Madrid with three dribbles completed and three key passes. He also drew two fouls. Before being subbed, Vini’s play had slipped a little bit in terms of his final ball in the attacking third, but the damage had already been done. For the better part of an hour, Vini was untouchable, and Real have him to thank for the win.