The last time Real Madrid and Liverpool met in the Champions League, Vinicius Junior, proved to be the hero of the day. The Brazilian winger capped off his breakout season by scoring the winner as Los Blancos won the competition for the 14th time. And when the two sides meet each other in the Round of 16 this time, Jurgen Klopp’s team will have a score to settle.
Vinicius has continued to be a key player for Real Madrid this season as well. He had a rough patch of form in the middle but now, he is once again delivering the goods at the very highest level.
Things have not been easy for Vinicius though, with controversy surrounding him. He has been on the end of some rough challenges from the opposition and constantly drawn the boos, and more, from rival fans.
Klopp seems to be a big fan of Vinicius though, even hailing him as a Real Madrid legend at the age of 22. As reported by MARCA, the German manager said:
"“As far as I know, he’s a world-class player. You should not leave him alone in one-on-one situations or alone [full stop].“He was that night [Champions League final] – with a really young age – didn’t get fazed by the way the game went, how they were not always dominant and stuff like that.“He was there in the decisive moment, I’m pretty sure that already makes him a Real Madrid legend at a very young age.”"
Klopp makes incredible claim about Real Madrid superstar
It might be a bit too early to call Vinicius a ‘Real Madrid legend’ considering that he has only had one world-class campaign till now in the Royal White jersey. His Champions League winner against Liverpool will live on forever though.
And the Brazilian winger is well on his way to becoming a Real Madrid legend, if he can continue performing at this level for a few more years and guiding the team to more silverware.
Vinicius is expected to have a key role when Real Madrid take to the Anfield pitch in midweek to take on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. He proved to be the difference maker last time around. Hopefully he does the same on this occasion as well.